Envoy Diplomacy

[Anchor Lead]

South Korea's national security adviser Chung Eui-yong arrived in Moscow, briefing the government there on the outcome of his visit to North Korea. He made a similar visit to China earlier. South Korea and Russia have agreed to continue close coordination toward the success of the summit talks between the two Koreas and between the US and North Korea.

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South Korea's National Security Adviser Chung Eui-yong met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. The Russian minister said that the Seoul government's efforts to establish peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula were drawing global attention.

[Soundbite] Sergey Lavrov(Russian Foreign Minister) : "Korea has showcased leadership regarding the need for solidarity among concerned nations for the peaceful resolution of the Korean Peninsula crisis."

He stressed that Russia has supported measures to ease tension and confrontational rhetoric taking place on the Korean Peninsula. Chung meanwhile assessed Russia's efforts to peacefully achieve denuclearization of the peninsula and to induce North Korea to the dialogue table. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination so the planned summit talks between the two Koreas and between the U.S. and North Korea can be a success.

[Soundbite] Chung Eui-yong(Cheong Wa Dae National Security Adviser) : "The two sides also discussed various measures of bilateral cooperation in the case inter-Korean relations improve."

The two sides also agreed to exert efforts so that the two summit meetings can serve as a major turning point for prosperity on the peninsula and peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Chung will meet with senior Russian government officials on Wednesday including presidential aide Yuri Ushakov and discuss peace building measures, before returning home.