Kim Jong-un's right-hand man to visit Washington Jan. 17-18: reports

In this June. 12, 2018, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump, right, meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sentosa Island, in Singapore. AP-Yonhap

Senior North Korean and U.S. officials may meet in Washington D.C. later this week for consultations on a second summit, a diplomatic source here said Tuesday.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to greet Kim Yong-chol, a top aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The source pointed out that the two sides are resolved to have face-to-face negotiations.

"Given Secretary Pompeo's other commitments, it's true that (he's) available for the talks on Jan. 17-18," the source said.

Pompeo has cut short a trip to the Middle East for a family funeral.

He is likely to attend the Global Chiefs of Mission Conference, to open in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, as well.

A Seoul-based newspaper, the Chosun Ilbo, reported Tuesday that Kim Yong-chol will likely travel to the U.S. capital for a two-day trip starting Thursday. There has been no related announcement yet by either Pyongyang or Washington.

President Donald Trump has talked openly about progress in efforts to arrange another meeting with the North's leader.

U.S. media have cited Vietnam and Thailand as candidate venues, but there is a possibility that the truce village of Panmunjom along the inter-Korean border will be picked. (Yonhap)