The two Koreas are reportedly pushing for a South Korean visit of North Korea's No. 2 leader Kim Yong-nam after the South's presidential election on Dec. 19 to further deepen discussions on bilateral economic cooperation, a government source said Friday.
Kim, who holds the post of chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, has been serving as North Korea's titular head of state on behalf of the North's reclusive leader Kim Jong-il.
"Koreas are now exchanging views on the visit of Kim Yong-nam to South Korea between the end of the presidential election and the inauguration of the next government on Feb. 25. If his visit is realized, January seems the most likely timing," said the source.
"While in Seoul, Kim Yong-nam will be able to meet both President Roh Moo-hyun and his successor, seeking to confirm Seoul's commitment to the inter-Korean summit agreements."
During the second inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang in early October, Roh proposed Kim Jong-il make a return visit to South Korea, but the North Korean leader turned down his offer. North Korean leader Kim suggested delaying his visit to the South until the appropriate moment and instead said he would send his deputy Kim Yong-nam to Seoul for further talks.
In a related development, Kim Yang-gon, known as the North Korean leader's right-hand man, is reportedly discussing the issue of Kim Yong-nam's visit to the South while meeting with South Korean officials in Seoul.
Kim Yang-gon, director of the United Front Department of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, arrived here on Thursday for a three-day visit and is to pay a courtesy call on Roh at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae later Friday.
(Yonhap)
