North Korea announced that a special envoy has been appointed to visit Moscow, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
Choe Ryong-hae, a high-ranking member of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea and reported close associate of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, was appointed as the special envoy.
Though North Korea did not announce when the trip would take place, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Choe would begin an eight-day visit on Monday, where he would visit Moscow and the border town of Vladivostok. "International issues of common interest," would be discussed said the Russian statement.
South Korean media also reported that Choe would meet Russian president Vladmir Putin.
The visit comes as the United Nations General Assembly prepares to vote on a resolution on North Korea next week. The resolution, put forward by Japan and the European Union, condemns the country's human rights record.
In October of this year, North Korean foreign minister Ri Su-yong visited Russia, where he expressed support for Russia's policy in Ukraine.
Choe Ryong-hae, a high-ranking member of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea and reported close associate of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, was appointed as the special envoy.
Though North Korea did not announce when the trip would take place, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Choe would begin an eight-day visit on Monday, where he would visit Moscow and the border town of Vladivostok. "International issues of common interest," would be discussed said the Russian statement.
South Korean media also reported that Choe would meet Russian president Vladmir Putin.
The visit comes as the United Nations General Assembly prepares to vote on a resolution on North Korea next week. The resolution, put forward by Japan and the European Union, condemns the country's human rights record.
In October of this year, North Korean foreign minister Ri Su-yong visited Russia, where he expressed support for Russia's policy in Ukraine.