A top North Korean official will reportedly participate in the opening ceremony for the Expo 2010 Shanghai China.

A source in Beijing said that Kim Yong-nam, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and second in the hierarchy in North Korea, will lead the North Korean delegation to Shanghai on Friday. He is set to attend the opening ceremony, where leaders of various nations will also gather.

The source said he is also planning to attend a welcome dinner hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak may meet the North Korean official in Shanghai, as the president is also scheduled to participate in the same events. Lee will be in Shanghai from April 30 to May 1.