N. Korean ceremonial leader heads for South Africa

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Wednesday that its ceremonial head of
state, Kim Yong-nam, embarked on a trip to South Africa to attend the
inauguration of the country's new president.
South Korea's ruling party leader also flew to the country to attend the
swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Jacob Zuma set for May 9 in the country's
administrative capital, Pretoria.
The Korean Central News Agency said Kim "left Pyongyang by special plane" and
will also visit Zimbabwe, without elaborating.
Kim, 81, represents North Korea on state visits and summits and receives visiting
heads of state as the country's titular head. North Korean leader Kim Jong-il,
67, rarely travels abroad.
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak sent the floor leader of his Grand National
Party, Hong Joon-pyo, earlier Wednesday to attend the inauguration. Expectations
emerged that a possible inter-Korean encounter may take place to help thaw frozen
political relations.
"The president's message was, 'If you meet with SPA president Kim Yong-nam,
receive him comfortably,'" Hong said over the telephone on Tuesday.
Kim's entourage includes Ri Ryong-nam, minister of foreign trade, and Kim
Hyong-jun, vice minister of foreign affairs, the report said. North Korea's
foreign minister Pak Ui-chun is visiting Latin American countries.
North Korea established diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1998.
hkim@yna.co.kr