North Korea avoids contact with South Korea and U.S. at ASEAN talks

Pyongyang again doesn't send top diplomat as it deepens relationship with Russia

North Korea's ambassador to Laos, Ri Yong Chol, attended the ASEAN Regional Forum instead of the foreign minister. (Photo by Junnosuke Kobara)

JUNNOSUKE KOBARA and KANA BABA, Nikkei staff writers

July 29, 2024 04:01 JST

VIENTIANE/TOKYO -- North Korea's lack of high-level representation at yet another ASEAN-hosted conference suggests that Pyongyang is avoiding multilateral venues as it pursues closer relations with President Vladimir Putin's Russia.

For a sixth straight year, Pyongyang did not send its foreign minister to the ASEAN Regional Forum, one of the few international ministerial conferences that North Korea participates in.