The Russian government has confirmed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has arrived in Russia.
The statement came after South Korean media reported that Kim’s train had arrived at Khasan station in Russia after crossing the Tumen River border.
A Kremlin statement said the reclusive North Korean leader would meet with President Dmitry Medvedev during his visit to Russia.
Medvedev is reported to have recently sent a message to Kim calling for greater energy cooperation between Russia and the two Koreas.
Kim last visited Russia in 2002.
His current visit to Russia comes with the North facing food shortages, and amid stalled efforts to resume the six-nation talks on North Korea’s nuclear disarmament.
Russia has been participating in those talks, which also involve South Korea, Japan, China, and the United States.
compiled from agency reports