Sergei Lavrov Hints at Possible Putin-Kim Jong Un Summit
Russian Foreign Minister Emphasizes Ongoing Communication Between Leaders
Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, on July 12 (local time) suggested the possibility of a summit between President Vladimir Putin and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un.
According to local media such as TASS and Sputnik, Minister Lavrov, during a press conference after holding talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Wonsan, Kangwon Province, North Korea, stated, "The leaders of both countries are in continuous communication, and there is a possibility that they will meet directly in the future."
Minister Lavrov did not mention any specific timing or location for the summit. However, he stated that it would be arranged through mutual agreement.
He also said that he is paying attention to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the need to resume dialogue, including high-level contacts with North Korea.
Minister Lavrov said, "I heard President Trump's remarks about resuming contact between the U.S. and North Korea, and North Korea has also heard them," adding, "That's as far as it goes for now," indicating that there has been no further progress.
However, it remains unclear whether Minister Lavrov's comments refer to President Trump's usual statements expressing his intention to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, or if they mean that the U.S. side has separately conveyed its intention to resume contact.
Regarding North Korea's dispatch of troops to the war in Ukraine, he said, "We are responding to the North Korean leader's proposal, and there is no reason to refuse such a sincere act of solidarity," adding, "The form of support will be decided by North Korea itself."
This comment is seen as possibly referring to the potential for additional troop deployments by North Korea.
The National Intelligence Service had previously predicted on June 26 that North Korea's additional troop deployment to Russia could take place as early as July or August.
Regarding North Korea's nuclear development, he expressed understanding and respect.
Minister Lavrov said, "The technology used by North Korea is the result of the efforts of its own scientists, and we respect North Korea's aspirations and understand the reasons for pursuing nuclear development."
He also expressed his intention to restore maritime transportation and communication with North Korea.
In addition, Russia is prepared to promote peace between South and North Korea based on North Korea's interests, and will assess South Korea's attitude toward North Korea depending on South Korea's actions.
He further warned not to use the South Korea-U.S. relationship in dealings with North Korea.
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