Kim Jong Un may make first foreign trip to Russia, Interfax says

[SEOUL] North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will make his first foreign trip since coming to power three years ago to attend celebrations for the 70th anniversary of Russia's victory in World War II, the Interfax news agency reported.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to Interfax that the Korean leader would attend the event to be held on May 9.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and about 20 foreign leaders are also expected to attend, the Itar-Tass news agency reported on Jan. 21.

It remains unclear whether South Korean President Park Geun Hye will visit Moscow for the celebrations.

Ms Park was also invited and hasn't decided whether to attend, South Korea's Yonhap News said last week, citing her spokesman Min Kyung Wook.

Mr Kim said in his New Year speech he was open to the "highest-level" meeting with South Korea.

Ms Park said Jan 12 that she was willing to meet with Mr Kim without preconditions while urging North Korea to drop its nuclear pursuit in order for any meeting to produce meaningful progress.

BLOOMBERG