Pyongyang: North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui has held talks with her Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in Pyongyang, marking the first visit by a Singaporean foreign minister to North Korea in eight years. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring cooperation in "multiple areas," alongside addressing "regional and international matters."

According to Yonhap News Agency, Balakrishnan was welcomed at Pyongyang International Airport by Vice Foreign Minister Pak Sang-gil and Ro Kil-song, North Korea's ambassador to Singapore. The North Korean foreign ministry organized a welcoming dinner for the Singaporean delegation, highlighting the significance of the visit. Balakrishnan's stop in Pyongyang is part of his five-day Northeast Asia tour, which also includes China and South Korea.

Singapore has maintained a cordial relationship with North Korea, notably hosting the historic summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2018. Given Singapore's diplomatic history with North Korea, Balakrishnan's visit could provide South Korea with insights into North Korea's openness to dialogue, especially as he is set to arrive in Seoul following his visit to Pyongyang.