hankyoreh

By Kwon Tae-ho, Washington correspondent in New York　

Ri Yong-ho was the figure that drew the most attention at the Conference on Peace and Cooperation in Northeast Asia. While he had previously attended denuclearization discussions alongside North Korean first vice foreign minister Kim Kye-gwan, he rarely had any direct dealings with the US, with Kim handling foreign relations with Washington. This was also Ri’s first visit to the US since assuming the position of senior North Korean representative for the six-party talks last year.

While the recent signs of change in relations between Washington and Pyongyang may have been a factor, Ri was reported by seminar participants from various countries as having made a positive impression with his fluent command of English, familiarity with Western manners, and nonabrasive approach. This came as a breath of fresh air to those familiar with rigid and stern North Korean diplomats of the past.

Former US ambassador to South Korea Donald Gregg, who attended the seminar, said Ri’s manner was indicative of the Kim Jong-un regime’s attempt to push for changes amid continuity.

Ri, a graduate of Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies who served as North Korean ambassador to the United Kingdom, reportedly acted naturally during his free time at the seminar, approaching US and German officials for light conversation. His rejection of South Korean requests for inter-Korean discussions was described by sources as gentle and respectful.

Ri is also believed to have refrained from strongly voicing objections to pressure from US participants at the NCAFP seminar on the importance of observing the terms of the Pyongyang-Washington agreement and engaging in dialogue with Seoul.

Revere said Ri seemed to understand the argument from the US side. Revere, who said this was his first time meeting Ri after interacting with Kim Kye-gwan for two decades, described his first impression of the representative as gentle and refined.

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