South Korea’s ambassador to Russia to attend Eastern Economic Forum as government representative

South Korea will send its ambassador to Russia, Lee Seok-bae, as a government representative to the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. The event begins on September 1 and focuses on economic development in Russia’s Far East and cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries.

His participation marks the first time a senior South Korean official has attended the forum since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. South Korea had reduced the level of its representation after the war, with working-level officials from its embassy taking part. Last year, the consul general in Vladivostok attended.

A Foreign Ministry official said the ambassador would attend this year after considering the circumstances. The official also said the ambassador’s post had been vacant last year.

The decision comes as the United States seeks to create an atmosphere for dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang. There is also speculation that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could visit Russia before the end of the year. Against that backdrop, Seoul may ask Moscow to play a mediating role in talks.

Former South Korean presidents Park Geun-hye and Moon Jae-in attended the forum in 2016 and 2017. Since then, South Korea has generally sent deputy prime ministers or ministers, before lowering its representation after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.

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Last year, the ambassador to Russia was absent, and this year the ambassador will attend after considering the circumstances.