North Korean official reportedly heading to US for talks

The top North Korean official arrived in Beijing on Jan 17, reports said, en route to Washington for talks with his US counterpart. (AFP)

• Kim Yong Chol had arrived at Beijing airport and was expected to leave for Washington later in the day
• Kim Yong Chol is a former North Korean spy chief who has been holding talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

BEIJING: A senior North Korean official has arrived in Beijing, reportedly en route to the United States for talks ahead of a possible second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said Thursday that Kim Yong Chol had arrived at Beijing airport and was expected to leave for Washington later in the day.
A motorcade that included the North Korean ambassador’s car and a Chinese car with a sign reading “state guest” could be seen departing from a VIP area at the airport.
Kim Yong Chol is a former North Korean spy chief who has been holding talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and related issues.