Has North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Arrived for the UN General Assembly?
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Synopsis
North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong has arrived in New York for the UN General Assembly, making it a historic moment as the first high-level attendance from the country in seven years. This visit could mark a new chapter in diplomatic relations.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Son-gyong arrives in New York for the UN assembly.
- This is North Korea's first high-level attendance in seven years.
- Kim's speech is anticipated on the last day of the general debate.
- The visit could indicate a willingness for renewed diplomatic discussions.
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung attended prior to Kim's arrival.
Seoul/New York, Sep 26 (NationPress) North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong has touched down in New York to participate in the ongoing United Nations General Assembly, marking the first high-level attendance from the North at this event in seven years.
A delegation, spearheaded by Kim, departed from Pyongyang for the 80th UN General Assembly, as reported by the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 11:45 p.m. Thursday (local time) aboard an Air China flight.
Upon arrival, reporters inquired whether he intended to engage in bilateral discussions with the US; however, he left the airport via a vehicle from North Korea's mission to the US without providing a response, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
This event signifies the first time since 2019 that North Korea has dispatched a high-level delegation to the UN General Assembly, following the unsuccessful summit between leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam.
From 2014 to 2018, North Korea's foreign ministers—initially Ri Su-yong and later Ri Yong-ho—attended the annual sessions.
Since then, Kim Song-gyong, North Korea's permanent representative to the UN, has been the face of Pyongyang at the General Assembly.
The vice foreign minister is set to deliver a speech on Monday (local time), the last day of the general debate, marking the first address from a North Korean official sent directly from Pyongyang in seven years.
Earlier, on September 23, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung attended the UN General Assembly in New York, expressing his gratitude to UN members and staff for their contributions to global peace and prosperity. He also congratulated Annalena Baerbock on her presidency of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly and acknowledged Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his dedication and hard work. He hopes for significant outcomes from the 80th Session under their leadership.
Point of View
I observe this development as a potential turning point in North Korea's diplomatic engagement with the world. The return of a high-ranking official to the UN stage could signal a willingness for dialogue and a chance to address ongoing tensions. Given the historical context, we must analyze their intentions carefully.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kim Son-gyong's visit significant?
His attendance marks the first high-level representation from North Korea at the UN General Assembly in seven years, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic relations.
What are the expectations for Kim's speech?
Kim is expected to address the assembly on the final day of debates, offering insights into North Korea's stance on global issues.
How does this compare to previous attendance?
Previous high-level attendances occurred from 2014 to 2018, after which representation shifted to lower officials.
