South Korean president’s envoy to convey ‘some messages’ to Putin - Kremlin

KRASNODAR, May 23. /TASS/. South Korean president’s special envoy Song Young-gil will convey "some messages" from the new leader Moon Jae-in during their meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday. "The special envoy is bringing some deliberations, some messages from his president, South Korea’s new President Moon Jae-in," Peskov said. When asked if the sides plan to discuss North Korea’s nuclear issue, Peskov noted that "the position of the Russian side on the Korean nuclear problem is consistent and well-known." "We call on the sides to show restraint to avoid steps, which may lead to the escalation of tensions and welcome any steps, which may ease tensions. That’s why tomorrow the president will listen to this special envoy," Peskov said. He recalled that the initiative to send a special envoy was put forward during a phone conversation between the two leaders on May 12. "South Korean friends have already had similar contacts in a number of other capitals, including in Tokyo," Peskov said. The Kremlin spokesman earlier said that on May 24 Putin will discuss with South Korean president’s envoy Song Young-gil the preparations for a visit of South Korean President Moon Jae-in to Russia. Song Young-gil has confirmed that on Wednesday he will meet with Putin and "discuss in detail a possible visit of the president." The envoy plans to convey to Putin thanks from the new South Korean leader for greetings on his election. The personal message of the South Korean president contains a range of issues on bilateral cooperation, including the supplies of natural gas, according to KBS TV channel. Besides, the South Korean side hopes to discuss North Korea’s nuclear issue. Song Young-gil, the former mayor of Incheon, in northwestern South Korea, is a lawmaker of the Democratic Party, who has good ties with Moscow, according to the report. He had initiated the handover to Russia of a flag from the Varyag cruiser, which sank in 1904 during the battle against the Japanese Fleet. Although the flag remained in the museum of Incheon, the move came under the media spotlight and contributed to the rapprochement of the two countries. In 2010, Song Young-gil was awarded Russia’s Order of Friendship. Read more