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North Korean Foreign Minister heads to Sweden
Seoul, March 15 (IANS) North Korea’s Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho was flying to Sweden on Thursday, the Swedish government said, raising the possibility that his trip might be aimed at contacting US officials ahead of a proposed summit between the two countries.
Sweden, whose Embassy represents US interests in the North Korean capital, has been touted as a possible venue for the momentous summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump. The visit fuels speculation that a Stockholm encounter is in the cards, Yonhap news agency reported.
Ri will stay in Sweden for two days during which he is scheduled to meet Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom, the Swedish Ministry said.
“The talks will focus on Sweden’s consular responsibilities as a protecting power for the US, Canada and Australia,” the Ministry said in a press release. “They will also address the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, which is high on the Security Council agenda.”
The security situation on the Korean Peninsula was also on the agenda.
Ri’s trip to Sweden came after Trump accepted Kim’s summit proposal, which was delivered by South Korea’s presidential security adviser, adding he wants the meeting to be held by May. The North has yet to make any official announcement about the planned summit.
Earlier, Ri was spotted at the Beijing international airport as he was on his way to Sweden. Choe Kang-il, a senior North Korean diplomat handling US affairs, was also said to have arrived at the airport.
A South Korean government official earlier dismissed chances for contact between the US and North Korea in Sweden, saying that Ri’s visit must be intended to strengthen ties with the European country.
“I haven’t heard that the US has anything to do with his trip to Sweden,” he said. “If the North wants to talk to the US, there would be no reason for its top diplomat to travel all the way to the European country. It could use the existing New York channel to communicate with the US.”
–IANS
soni/mr
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.