North Korean leader Kim joins hands with the speaker of South Korea's parliament

South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik Meets with Russian President Putin

In a significant diplomatic move, South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Beijing. The meeting took place amidst strained inter-Korean relations.

Woo was accompanied by a delegation, including a veteran politician with past experience in facilitating inter-Korean dialogue. The meeting between Woo and Putin occurred on the sidelines of the military parade in Beijing, which was held to celebrate the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two. Woo represented South Korea at the event.

During the meeting, Putin asked if Woo had a message he could deliver to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Woo replied that building peace on the Korean Peninsula was "very important." He expressed hope for discussing peace-building measures if a meeting with Kim occurred.

However, North Korea has dismissed such overtures, saying it is not interested in talks. This response comes after Woo and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged the resumption of dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang.

Before the meeting with Putin, Woo expressed uncertainty about a potential meeting with Kim Jong Un. Nevertheless, he and the veteran politician in his delegation have experience in facilitating inter-Korean dialogue, which could prove valuable in any future negotiations.

The highlight of Woo's visit was the handshake between Kim Jong Un and Woo Won-shik before the military parade. The handshake marked a rare moment of diplomacy between the two leaders, offering a glimmer of hope for improved relations between North and South Korea.

As the situation on the Korean Peninsula continues to evolve, the meeting between Woo and Putin, and the potential for future dialogue, could play a significant role in shaping the future of the region.