January 28, 2015 - 13:02 AMT
Russia says North Korea's leader accepted invitation to Moscow

Russia says North Korea's leader has accepted an invitation to Moscow in May, BBC News reports citing South Korea's Yonhap.

The news agency cites a written response from the Kremlin, but says it does not mention Kim Jong-un by name.

Yonhap quotes a Unification Ministry official as saying the reference to the leader could be ambiguous, as Kim Yong-nam is the nominal head of state.

Kim Jong-un has not made any overseas visits since taking power in North Korea in late 2011. His first destination will been keenly watched for what it might indicate about his policies and strategy.

Earlier this month, reports emerged suggesting Russia could be the recipient of Mr Kim's first official visit.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists on 21 January that Russia had invited Mr Kim to the 9 May celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

He said that the "first signal was positive" from the North Korean government.