FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Former professional basketball star Dennis Rodman says he plans to return to North Korea to vacation with Kim Jong Un.

Rodman met with the authoritarian leader in late February during a visit that was not endorsed by the U.S. State Department. The visit came during a period of tension between the countries over North Korea's nuclear weapons testing.

Rodman traveled to Fargo, N.D., over the weekend for a promotional appearance at a local bar. The former Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls star told KVLY-KXJB that he doesn't think Kim wants war and that he considers the leader a friend even though he doesn't condone what he does.

Rodman said he plans to return to North Korea in August to vacation with Kim, who is a diehard basketball fan.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)