South Korea to skip Eastern Economic Forum in Russia
Unification Ministry spokesman Yun Min-ho speaks during a briefing at the government complex in Seoul. Photo by Asia Today
Aug. 31 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s Unification Ministry said Monday it will not attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia.
“After considering the overall circumstances, the Unification Ministry will not participate in this year’s Eastern Economic Forum,” ministry spokesman Yun Min-ho said during a regular briefing at the government complex in Seoul.
Asked whether North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would attend, Yun said the government had no confirmed information and would continue monitoring developments.
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young had previously identified the forum, which begins Tuesday, as one possible opportunity for breaking the prolonged impasse in inter-Korean relations.
Because senior officials from multiple countries attend the event, Chung had suggested it could provide an opportunity to increase contact with North Korea.
Former Unification Minister Lee In-young participated virtually in the 2021 Eastern Economic Forum during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering remarks on tourism and infrastructure cooperation among South Korea, North Korea and Russia.
South Korean Unification Ministry officials at the director-general level have also attended the forum in person in the past.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260831010010530