China urges UN to encourage dialogue with N.Korea

China urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) on Friday to encourage a dialogue with Pyongyang, amid preparations for a historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un.

"We think Korean peninsula issues should be resolved through diplomatic and peaceful means, which is the widespread consensus among Security Council members," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a press conference here.

Lu confirmed that China and Russia had presented a motion in the UNSC in support of dialogue in the Korean peninsula, although Russian sources had reported on Thursday that the proposal was blocked by the US, another permanent member of the council, reports Efe news.

"The peninsula has seen some positive changes recently, this is in line with China's long-standing position on the issue, which confirms to the requirements of the UNSC resolutions as well," Lu added.

Meanwhile, North Korea's foreign minister, Ri Yong-Ho, arrived in Stockholm on Thursday night to meet his Swedish counterpart Margot Wallstrom.

Ri's visit has led to speculation that the Scandinavian country might host the historic Trump-Kim meet in May.

--IANS

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