Russia Reluctant to Grant State Visit

With President Roh Moo-hyun’s visit to Russia planned for late October, diplomatic officials of both countries are engaged in last minute consultations to confirm the schedule of the visit. The contents and results of summit meetings are obviously the two most important elements, but with President Roh’s visit being the first Korean presidential visit to Russia in five years, one is concerned with the protocols and treatment President Roh will receive.

State Visit or Official Visit?-

A state visit, which is when a country invites the head of state of another country only once, in a formal manner, is the highest form of visit. Korean officials desired President Roh’s visit to be a state visit because they thought the chances of President Roh visiting Russia again during his term were low. However, Russian officials were reluctant, citing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official schedule, and have requested President Roh’s visit be an official visit, which is slightly less formal than a state visit. In state visits, the host country has to offer official ceremonies as well as a dinner party to honor the visiting head of state. In summit meetings, the slightest differences in protocol are considered as how close both countries are, so people are concerned how this visit will be decided.

Will President Roh Visit St. Petersburg?-

St. Petersburg is not only Russia’s second most important city, but in terms of Russian diplomacy it carries a greater significance than simply being the hometown of President Putin. In fact, President Putin’s affection towards his hometown is so great that there were even rumors of moving the Russian capital to St. Petersburg. Usually, it has been customary for heads of state of major countries visiting Russia to visit the city.

For example, after coming to power in 2000, President Putin met with his first western head of state to visit Russia, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in St. Petersburg. In 2002, when U.S. President George W. Bush came to Russia, President Putin held summit meetings with him in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Nevertheless, President Roh was not even invited at the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, when 45 heads of states were invited.

Will there be “Dacha Diplomacy?”-

Dacha diplomacy is a unique form of Russian diplomacy where the guest head of state is invited to the Russian President’s dacha, or summer residence, outside Moscow, to build a friendship while discussing official matters. The heads of states of major countries that have met with President Putin, have all been invited to the presidential dacha at Novo-Ogariovo and displayed their closeness with the Russian President. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and his wife even spent a night at the dacha with the Putin couple.

In summit diplomacy, the personal, close friendship between the leaders of countries is as important as the relations between the two countries. If President Roh is not invited to the dacha, he will have dinner with President Putin in Moscow.

Ki-Hyun Kim kimkihy@donga.com