North Korea's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho, at center facing, and his delegation arrive at Arlanda airport outside Stockholm, Sweden, Thursday March 15, 2018. North Korea's foreign minister is traveling to Sweden Thursday, a surprise move that could be a first step toward a meeting in the Scandinavian country between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (Christine Olsson/TT via AP)
STOCKHOLM (AP) — North Korea’s foreign minister is visiting Sweden, a move that can be seen as a first step toward the Scandinavian country hosting a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho arrived at Stockholm’s international Arlanda airport Thursday afternoon on a direct flight from Beijing,
North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho gets on a car on his arrival at the Beijing International airport in Beijing, Thursday, March 15, 2018. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed during a routine briefing that he was on his way to Sweden. (Minoru Iwasaki/Kyodo News via AP)
Ri is set to meet Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom later Thursday or on Friday.
The ministry said talks “will focus on Sweden’s consular responsibilities as a protecting power for the United States, Canada and Australia,” but also will also address the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.”
North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho arrives at the Beijing International airport in Beijing, Thursday, March 15, 2018. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed during a routine briefing that he was on his way to Sweden. (Minoru Iwasaki/Kyodo News via AP)
Sweden has had diplomatic relations with North Korea since 1973 and is one of the few Western countries with an embassy in Pyongyang. It provides consular services for the U.S. in North Korea.
Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said the Swedes were ready to help if “key actors want Sweden to play a role, facilitate [talks], be a forum or a link or whatever it may be.
Recommended Video:
President Trump’s First State of the Union Address
Sign up for NTD Daily
What you need to know, summarized in one email. Stay informed with accurate news you can trust.
Success! You are now subscribed.
By registering for the newsletter, you agree to the Privacy Policy.
