Lamola in the US ahead of the UN General Assembly

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong is set to participate in a significant segment of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled to commence in New York next week, according to a source at the international body. The high-level general debate, where Kim will be present, is planned from September 22 to September 26, with a final session held on September 28.

On the latter day, Kim will deliver a speech. He made a similar appearance at last year's General Assembly, where he maintained North Korea's unwavering commitment to its nuclear program. During his upcoming New York visit, Kim is anticipated to meet with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and officials from nations that hold favorable views towards North Korea, including Cuba and Venezuela.

The message Kim plans to convey during his U.N. appearance is expected to be closely monitored by Washington, given President Donald Trump's intention to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. For the first time in six years, Pyongyang did not send any high-ranking officials to the U.N. General Assembly until 2024, after the no-deal summit between Trump and Kim in Hanoi in February 2019.

Prior to Kim Son-gyong, Ri Su-yong represented North Korea from 2014-2015, while Ri Yong-ho did so from 2016-2018.