![[Bild: vvputin_kyn_sochi_070214.jpg]](http://nkleadershipwatch.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/vvputin_kyn_sochi_070214.jpg)
Kim Yong Nam, Mitglied des Präsidiums des Politbüros des ZK der PdAK und Vorsitzender des Präsidiums der Obersten Volksversammlung der DVRK, traf am 7. Februar in Sotschi, dem Austragungsort der XXII. Olympischen Winterspiele, mit dem Präsidenten der Russischen Föderation, Wladimir Wladimirowitsch Putin, zusammen. Foto: Rodong Sinmun
North Korea’s Kim Yong Nam meets Putin in Sochi
Kim Yong Nam apparently on diplomatic mission despite nation’s Olympic qualifying failures
Kim Yong Nam apparently on diplomatic mission despite nation’s Olympic qualifying failures
North Korean Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea Kim Yong Nam met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on Friday, state media outlet the Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Saturday.
Kim, who is taking part in the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games as an honorary guest, left for Russia on February 5 despite North Korea’s failure to qualify for the Winter Olympics. Kim conveyed greetings from North Korea leader Kim Jong Un to the Russian president, who expressed his thanks and asked Kim Yong Nam to convey his regards to Kim Jong Un, the KCNA reported. The KCNA said that Kim talked with the Russian president about further developing the long-standing DPRK-Russia relations.
Kim Yong Nam has been meeting important figures since he arrived in Russia. Beginning with Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko, chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council, on February 6, Kim then met Xi Jinping, president of the People’s Republic of China on February 7. In addition, Kim separately met Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Armenian President Serge Sarkissian and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Kim’s trip to Russia is considered part of North Korea’s efforts to improve its relations with other nations, the South Korean broadcaster MBN argued on Sunday. The visit to Russia was specially requested by North Korea even though no North Korean athlete has qualified for the Winter Olympics for the first time in 12 years.
Kim, who is taking part in the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games as an honorary guest, left for Russia on February 5 despite North Korea’s failure to qualify for the Winter Olympics. Kim conveyed greetings from North Korea leader Kim Jong Un to the Russian president, who expressed his thanks and asked Kim Yong Nam to convey his regards to Kim Jong Un, the KCNA reported. The KCNA said that Kim talked with the Russian president about further developing the long-standing DPRK-Russia relations.
Kim Yong Nam has been meeting important figures since he arrived in Russia. Beginning with Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko, chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council, on February 6, Kim then met Xi Jinping, president of the People’s Republic of China on February 7. In addition, Kim separately met Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Armenian President Serge Sarkissian and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Kim’s trip to Russia is considered part of North Korea’s efforts to improve its relations with other nations, the South Korean broadcaster MBN argued on Sunday. The visit to Russia was specially requested by North Korea even though no North Korean athlete has qualified for the Winter Olympics for the first time in 12 years.
PYONGYANG, February 10 22:23 KST (KCNA) — Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, came back home Monday after participating in the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games held in Sochi, Russia as an honorary guest. Also returning home together with him were Kung Sok Ung, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and other suite members.