“Kim Jong-un to not attend Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok”

Posted on : 2018-08-21 17:20 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
Russian government official cites inter-Korean summit as reason for Kim’s absence
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un

An official from the Russian government has stated that North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un will not attend the Eastern Economic Forum which is to be held from September 11-13 in Vladivostok.

In an interview with leading Russian newspaper Izvestia on August 19, Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov was asked about Kim’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum. Ushakov pointed out that the 3rd Inter-Korean summit would be taking place in Pyongyang during this period, adding “For this reason, Chairman Kim and President Moon will not be visiting Russia.”

Although the official schedule for the 3rd Inter-Korean summit has not yet been announced, it is expected to take place directly after the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic on September 9.

Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and Chinese President Xi Jinping are both expected to attend the Eastern Economic Forum. Accordingly, if Chairman Kim had chosen to attend, it would have raised the possibility of a North Korea-Japan summit meeting.

President Putin has invited Kim to the event several times, but was met with a promise to meet on another occasion. In the interview, Ushakov stressed that President Putin’s invitation was still open, and that other arrangements would be made.

During the World Cup in June, Putin had invited Kim to the Eastern Economic Forum through Kim Yong-nam, the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea who was visiting Russia at the time. He added that in a congratulatory telegram published in the Korean Central News Agency on August 15, Kim had stated “I would like to make it clear that I am willing to meet with you soon to discuss bilateral matters and important regional issues.”

By Gil Yun-hyung, staff reporter

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]

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