President and Founder of Boone-based Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, will be meeting next week with high-level government officials and visiting his ministry’s humanitarian assistance projects in North Korea.

In a released statement, Graham said, “I believe it is important to make visits like this to help improve better relations and to have better understanding with each other. Going as a minister of Jesus Christ with a message of peace and that God loves each one of us regardless of our borders or politics.”

Even though very few Americans visit North Korea, this will be Graham’s third trip to the country.

Samaritan’s Purse has worked in the area for several years, and mainly works with medical and dental programs.  According to officials, the organization has provided more than $10 million in assistance.

Next week when Graham arrives, he will make a presentation totaling $190,000 in equipment and supplies for a new dental center.

After Graham leaves North Korea, he will travel to China for another missions trip before heading back to the states.