North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

Kim Jong Il Meets with SVR Chief

Kim Cho'ng-il poses for a commemorative photograph with Mikhail Fradkov, head of the Russian Federation's Foreign Intelligence Service (seated, L). Also in attendance are (2nd row, 2nd L) U Tong Chuk and (2nd R, R) Kim Kye-kwan (Photo: KCNA)

Kim Cho’ng-il met with Mikhail Fradkov, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, according to an 18 May [Thursday] report in DPRK media.  Fradkov served as Prime Minister of the Russian Federation from 2004 to 2007.  Fradkov’s meeting with Kim Cho’ng-il proceeded in “a friendly and cordial manner.”  KCI hosted a banquet for Fradkov after the meeting.  Attending the meeting with KCI were: Senior Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kim Kye-kwan (Kim Kye Gwan) and Senior Vice Minister of State Security and NDC Member, U Tong-ch’uk (U Tong Chuk).

Kim Cho'ng-il meeting with Mikhail Fradkov in May 2011 (Photo: KCNA)

SVR chief Mikhail Fradkov (L) presents gifts to Kim Cho'ng-il after a May 2011 meeting reported by KCNA on 18 May 2011 (Photo: KCNA)

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