Kim Jong Un to eat borsch, dumplings, caviar in Vladivostok
VLADIVOSTOK. April 24 (Interfax) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will be offered traditional Russian cuisine, such as borsch, dumplings, and caviar, during his visit to Vladivostok, according to Primorye Governor Oleg Kozhemyako.
The North Korean protocol department did not set any particular requirements for organizing Kim's visit to Russia.
"North Korea did not set any special, unrealistic requirements. Coordination went smoothly. We did some things, and others were already prepared," Kozhemyako told the television channel Rossiya 24 (VGTRK) in an interview.
Kim's program includes "meetings with labor collectives, visits to cultural centers, and interaction with average people," he said.
As regards what the North Korean leader will be eating during his stay on campus at the Far Eastern Federal University, where his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin are due to take place, Kozhemyako said: "All kinds of specialties of Russian cuisine will be available. They wanted to taste our food. [...] There will be a wide choice. Most likely, they'll be offered our borsch and dumplings. [...] I have no doubt caviar will be on the table, too," Kozhemyako said.
There will be Korean chefs in the kitchen, as well, he said.
The North Korean leader has taken a walk in Vladivostok, Kozhemyako said. "He followed the same route as his grandfather Kim Il Sung and his father Kim Jong Il," he said.
As to whether Kim Jong Un's delegation differs from the delegation that once accompanied his father on the visit to Russia, Kozhemyako, who was part of Kim Jong Il's welcome party, said, "the differences are inconsiderable."
Kozhemyako said he was hoping that Kim Jong Un will have good memories of Primorye and noted the amicable and hospitable attitude of local residents. "People of Primorye have always welcomed their neighbors," he said.