Singapore Foreign Minister Visits Seoul After North Korea Talks

• •Vivian Balakrishnan is visiting North Korea, China, and South Korea to strengthen ties.
• •This is only the fourth visit by a Singaporean official to North Korea since 1975.
• •The meetings may provide insights into North Korea's interest in dialogue.

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan is on a five-day working visit to China, North Korea, and South Korea, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing regional developments. Balakrishnan's visit includes meetings with counterparts in these countries, marking only the fourth visit by a Singaporean official to North Korea since 1975. The meetings are expected to cover the state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula and may provide insights into North Korea's willingness to engage in dialogue. This trip follows Balakrishnan's previous visit to North Korea in June 2018, ahead of the Trump-Kim summit. The Singaporean foreign ministry emphasizes the importance of engaging external partners amidst global challenges.