Kremlin hopes Putin's visit to N. Korea may take place in foreseeable future, date to be agreed additionally - Peskov

MOSCOW. Jan 15 (Interfax) - The Kremlin hopes that Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to North Korea in the foreseeable future, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.

"Vladimir Putin currently has an invitation for an official visit to Pyongyang, and we are hoping that such a visit will take place, and that the Russian president will visit [North Korea] in the foreseeable future," Peskov told reporters when asked by Interfax as to whether the visit by North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui to Russia could be regarded as a stage in preparations for Putin's visit to North Korea.

"The timeframe for such a visit will be discussed additionally via diplomatic channels," Peskov said.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is Russia's closest neighbor and partner, whom Moscow is willing to further develop relations in all areas with, Peskov said.

"The visit by the North Korean minister is taking place as a follow-up to the agreements reached at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, when Chairman Kim visited it, and following the talks between him and the Russian president," Peskov said.

"Dialogue at all levels with the DPRK will continue, and so we expect good, meaningful, substantive and productive talks," he said.