FAM president Tunku Ismail was given special access by the North Korean government to fly directly to Pyongyang

Tunku Ismail shaking hands with Kim. Pix from Johor Southern Tigers

JOHOR BARU:  Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim was given special access by the North Korean government to fly directly to Pyongyang from Johor.

The access was granted to Tunku Ismail from North Korea charge d' affaires officer Kim Yu Song during an audience with the Tunku Mahkota Johor here on Tuesday.

They discussed among others, foreign relations and current affairs as well as the upcoming Asian Cup 2019 qualifying match between Malaysia and North Korea to be held in Pyongyang on Oct 5.

Pyongyang has assured the safety of Malaysian players and team officials.

A statement posted on Johor Southern Tigers Facebook said the discussion bore positive results.

It said Tunku Ismail was given the special honour of being allowed to fly directly from Johor to Pyongyang when he wants to visit North Korea.

It is the highest honour as any world leader has to fly to Beijing, China before connecting a flight to the North Korean capital.

Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/09/20/pyongyang-gives-special-access-to-tunku-ismail-to-fly-here/#wfzbhdzHiA9ooFBL.99