This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen
on .
It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
Kim Jong-un to visit Russia, say South Korean media
Sorry - this page has been removed.
(about 2 months later)
The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, has confirmed his attendance at Russia’s celebrations in May marking the Soviet victory over Germany in the second world war, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said on Wednesday, quoting a Kremlin spokesman.
This could be because it launched early, our rights have expired, there was a legal issue, or for another reason.
The trip, if it takes place, would be Kim’s first foreign visit since taking power in the reclusive state in 2011, and is likely to come before he visits China, the North’s main ally.
“About 20 state leaders have confirmed their attendance, and the North Korean leader is among them,” Yonhap quoted the office of Kremlin spokesman as saying in response to its written question to Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov. The North and Russia have been looking to boost ties, as political relations chilled with China after Kim took over and defied international warnings and UN sanctions to conduct a third nuclear test in 2013.
For further information, please contact:
Earlier in January, the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, said North Korea had sent a positive signal after Putin invited Kim to the victory celebrations. Russia marks the victory anniversary every year on 9 May.
Kim’s father, Kim Jong-il was invited to the 60th anniversary celebrations in 2005 but did not attend, Yonhap said.
