South Korea's nuclear envoy departs for Russia

SEOUL, June 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top nuclear envoy on Monday departed for Russia as part of efforts to drum up international support for ongoing efforts to denuclearize North Korea and establish lasting peace on the peninsula.

Lee Do-hoon, representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs at Seoul's foreign ministry, plans to meet Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Moscow on Tuesday to exchange views on recent developments on the nuclear issue.

"For the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, support from neighboring countries and the international community is important," Lee told reporters at Incheon International Airport before his departure.

"In this respect, Russia has made many contributions, and we anticipate its future contribution," he added.

His trip came ahead of the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, slated to take place in Singapore on June 12. The historic meeting is expected to center on Pyongyang's denuclearization.

Russia has recently been seen ramping up its diplomacy with the North. Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Pyongyang and held talks with top North Korean officials, including leader Kim Jong-un and Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho.

sshluck@yna.co.kr
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