During the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) related foreign ministers summit hosted by Laos, high-ranking officials from North and South Korea met but only confirmed the existing chill in their relations.
On the night of the 26th, the dinner held at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Laos, was attended by Ri Yong-chol, the North Korean Ambassador to Laos.
Despite attempts by South Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cho Tae-yul, to engage in a friendly manner, Ri Yong-chol remained unresponsive, highlighting the strained relationship between the two countries.
It is anticipated that Ri Yong-chol will represent North Korea as the Ambassador at the ASEAN Regional Security Forum (ARF) on the 27th, continuing the trend of icy interactions between the nations.
Despite inquiries about the absence of North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui at the forum, Ri Yong-chol remained tight-lipped on various issues, reflecting the diplomatic tensions in the region.
Source: Vientiane / Park Min-hee Senior Reporter minggu@hani.co.kr