N. Korean vice FM to attend UN General Assembly next week: source

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong is set to attend a high-level segment of the United Nations General Assembly, according to a source at the international body. The General Assembly is scheduled to begin in New York next week, from September 22 to September 26, with a final day on September 28. Kim is expected to speak on the final day of the debate.

Last year, Kim addressed the General Assembly and reiterated North Korea's stance that it would never abandon its nuclear program. During his upcoming visit to New York, Kim is anticipated to meet with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and officials from allies of North Korea, including Cuba and Venezuela. The message Kim conveys during his attendance at the U.N. gathering is expected to be closely monitored by Washington, as U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated plans to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year.