North Korean leader to visit Russia for summit: report

Japanese media said Tuesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il will visit Russia Thursday or Friday for summit talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The two countries last held such a meeting in August 2002.

Medvedev is scheduled to arrive in Vladivostok Wednesday night to inspect facilities for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit slated for fall next year. Kim is expected to move to the Russian city of Khasan by crossing a railway bridge over the Tumen River before boarding a train for Vladivostok, where the summit talks are expected to take place at a Russian presidential villa.

Mikhail Fradkov, director of Russia`s Foreign Intelligence Service, reportedly visited Pyongyang last month to discuss the summit.

In a related move, a South Korean official said Russia did not confirm whether the summit will be held, though Seoul continued to ask Moscow about it.

Sources also said Russia has made reservations for almost all of the rooms at Hyundai Hotel in Vladivostok and strengthened security in the port city.

If the summit proceeds, it would be the latest in a series of summit diplomacy by the North Korean leader just a month after his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao. Certain experts say Kim will try to attract Russian investment into the North`s planned development of the Rason special economic district.

Having invested in the district, Russia could promise the North more investment. The construction of railroad and gas pipelines and the provision of humanitarian aid to the North will also likely to be on the summit agenda.

In addition, the two leaders are expected to discuss the resumption of the stalled six-party talks on denuclearizing North Korea. If the North wins Russian aid, it could remove its reputation for being dependent on China and seek a diplomatic balance with Beijing.

By strengthening relations with the North, Russia apparently wants to contribute to stability in Northeast Asia and highlight its influence and presence over international issues.

jkmas@donga.com zeitung@donga.com