A third country's involvement is not required in resolving the issue over the murder of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's estranged half-brother Kim Jong-nam, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said, if there was good relations between Malaysia and North Korea, the issue could be resolved without any delay.

"I am confident the Prime Minister is trying to maintain diplomatic ties between North Korea and Malaysia to facilitate friendly discussions between both countries," he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, was speaking to reporters after launching a 'Jalin Kasih' carnival organised by Kalabakan UMNO division training and research bureau here today.

He said the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and North Korea should be maintained as long as there was no breach to the agreement of the Vienna Convention.