Putin Plans to Visit Korea

Vladimir Putin, Russia's president-elect, will visit Korea in response to an invitation from President Kim Dae-jung, .

On April 28, a source from Chong Wa Dae revealed that President Kim had called Putin to congratulate him on his election and had requested that he visit Korea. Putin accepted the president's invitation.

A source explained that on the occasion of Putin's visit - the 10th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic ties between Korea and Russia - will be a good chance to obtain support from nearby countries for improving relations between South and North Korea, and in particular, for the upcoming inter-Korea summit.

President-elect Putin welcomed the confirmation of the South-North summit, saying, "I hope that progress is made."

by Kim Jin-kook