Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will meet his Singaporean counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan, in Seoul this week, following the latter's visits to China and North Korea, the ministry here said Monday. The foreign ministry stated that the discussions between Cho and Balakrishnan will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing the current state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula during their talks scheduled for Thursday. Additionally, the ministers will exchange views on regional and international developments.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Singapore's foreign ministry announced that Balakrishnan's diplomatic tour, which began on Sunday, includes visits to China, North Korea, and South Korea, concluding on Thursday. This visit marks the first time since 2007 that a Singaporean foreign minister will travel to South Korea.

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young is reportedly attempting to arrange a meeting with Balakrishnan. However, as of Monday evening, a ministry official informed Yonhap News Agency that no meeting had been confirmed.

Singapore and North Korea have maintained a cordial relationship, notably providing the stage for the historic 2018 summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Given this backdrop, the forthcoming meeting in Seoul presents an opportunity for South Korea to potentially assess North Korea's willingness to engage in dialogue, with Balakrishnan visiting North Korea prior to his Seoul engagement.