South Korea says it expects an upcoming summit between North Korea and Russia to contribute to the positive development of negotiations on the North’s denuclearization. 

Foreign Ministry spokesman Kim In-cheol told a media briefing on Tuesday that complete denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula is a goal also shared by Russia. 

Another official echoed similar expectations, hoping North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia will aid the denuclearization process and also facilitate dialogue between the two Koreas and between the North and the U.S.

Earlier in the day, North Korea’s state-run media outlets made it official that Kim will soon visit Russia at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Their first-ever summit is expected to be held in Vladivostok on Wednesday and Thursday.