Russia's top diplomat in Pyongyang to discuss security issues

Russia's top diplomat arrived in North Korea on Thursday, the North's state media reported, amid a flurry of diplomacy under way between the North and the United States for a summit.

The Korean Central News Agency reported the arrival of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Pyongyang at the invitation of North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho.

Lavrov is the first Russian foreign minister to visit North Korea in nine years. His visit comes as the North is preparing for an unprecedented summit between its leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump, which will likely take place in Singapore on June 12.

Russia's foreign ministry earlier announced the two ministers will have bilateral talks to discuss issues of mutual concern and other developments unfolding around the Korean Peninsula.

Lavrov is likely to hear from Ri on the outcome of a surprise second inter-Korean summit held last week between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

During the summit that followed their first meeting ever in April, Kim reaffirmed his willingness to denuclearize and hold a summit with Trump. (Yonhap)

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