North Korea’s Prime Minister to Visit China

North Korean Prime Minister Park Bong Ju will visit China from March 22 to 27, following an invitation from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. It marks the first visit by a Northern high-ranking official after the visit to the North of Wang Jiarui, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, on February 19.

The main purpose of Park`s visit, following U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice`s visit to Beijing during her Asia tour, will be a discussion over Rice`s message to the North.

A government official said, "Park, the head of the North Korean economy, will focus on getting more economic aid," and added, "As participating countries` efforts to resume the six-way talks have entered the final stages, the main agenda will be the North`s return to the negotiation table."

taewon_ha@donga.com