Russian Primorsky Territory Governor Says Has Not Discussed Barter Trade With Kim

The governor of Russia's Primorsky Territory, Oleg Kozhemyako, said on Friday that he did not discuss the issue of barter trade with Pyongyang at a lunch with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

VLADIVOSTOK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 26th April, 2019) The governor of Russia's Primorsky Territory, Oleg Kozhemyako, said on Friday that he did not discuss the issue of barter trade with Pyongyang at a lunch with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Earlier in the day, Kim left Vladivostok, the administrative center of Primorsky Territory and the largest city in the Russian Far East, after his three-day visit to the city. Before the departure by train, he had a lunch with the governor.

"We have not had such discussions [on barter trade]," Kozhemyako told reporters.

He noted that it was an issue for businessmen to deal with, expressing the hope that mutual visits of the countries' delegations would help to outline the details of such cooperation.

The governor noted that there were many great opportunities for developing tourism cooperation between the region and North Korea.

He named logistics, in particular a bridge over the Tumen River flowing on the Russia-North Korea border, as yet another area of cooperation.

"We will now prepare a feasibility study. The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East is handling design and proposals for work in this direction," Kozhemyako said.

Kim's visit to Vladivostok was his first visit to Russia since he came to power in 2011 as well as the North Korean leader's first overseas trip since his re-election as the chairman of the State Affairs Commission earlier in April.

As part of the visit, Kim met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.