By Yi Whan-woo
North Korea and Russia discussed security issues over the Korean Peninsula and East Asia during their foreign ministerial meeting in Moscow, according to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Friday (local time).
The meeting between Pyongyang’s top diplomat Ri Su-yong and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavprov came amid speculation that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may visit Moscow in May.
The two countries have been gearing up efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Pyongyang has been under pressure by the United Nations to improve its dire human rights record.
The United States and European Union have stepped up economic sanctions against Russia in the wake of Moscow’s annexation of the Ukrainian territory of Crimea last year.
Ri’s visit to Russia last week was unexpected. According to diplomatic sources, he and Lavprov may have discussed issues over Kim attending Russia’s “Victory Day” celebrations.
The Kremlin confirmed in January that Kim will be among the heads of states attending the ceremony for the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s contribution to victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. The event will take place in Moscow on May 9.
Other dignitaries on the invitation list include President Park Geun-hye, U.S. President Barack Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Speculation has grown over a historic inter-Korean summit in the Russian capital on the sidelines of the celebration.
Cheong Wa Dae has kept its options open concerning Park’s visit, but her attendance could enable a historic meeting with Kim and help break the political impasse on the Korean Peninsula.
At the same time, the expected absence of Obama, due to frayed ties between the U.S. and Russia, prevents Cheong Wa Dae from making a quick decision given the bilateral alliance.