Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks to reporters at the government complex in Seoul, Sept. 19. Yonhap
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, later this week, according to his office on Tuesday.
Han will leave for China on Saturday and attend the opening ceremony the following day, the office said.
Vice Culture Minister Jang Mi-ran, a former Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting, is scheduled to accompany Han, according to a presidential official.
Asked about the possibility of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Han said there could be a meeting that Xi hosts for chief delegates from participating countries.
"But I am not sure whether there could be a separate meeting," he said.
Han emphasized the Seoul government's efforts to maintain an amicable relationship with China, citing ongoing initiatives to arrange a trilateral summit with Japan and China.
"It would be appropriate to consider this as a signal that the prime minister is taking a trip to enhance Korea-China relations," Han said.
Korea has usually sent the culture minister to such events. (Yonhap)
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