Paris ( CNN ) -- France is to open an office in North Korea in the coming days to build cultural ties and help with aid efforts , the French Foreign Ministry said Thursday . The creation of this office responds to `` a decision made by French authorities that takes into consideration identified cultural and humanitarian needs , '' a statement from the minister of foreign affairs ' office said . The Office of French Cooperation in Pyongyang will be directed by diplomat and cultural cooperation expert Olivier Vaysset , the statement said . `` His goal will be to help the North Korean people , who are hit hard by many different kinds of restrictions , and to continue our cooperation activities in the domains of language , education and culture , '' it said . U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met with Pak Gil Yon , vice foreign minister for North Korea , on Wednesday , his office said . The pair discussed food shortages and related humanitarian problems in the North Korea , particularly since recent floods , the statement said . Ban said more international aid was needed and urged North Korea to improve its cooperation with U.N. agencies to help that happen . He also urged continued dialogue on the issue of North Korea 's nuclear ambitions . CNN 's Winnie Andrews contributed to this report .
The office will help meet cultural and humanitarian needs , France says . It will open in the summer months in September , the French Foreign Ministry says .