PYONGYANG TO CONTRIBUTE TO EASTERN OIL PIPELINE

MOSCOW, May 3 (RIA Novosti) - North Korea's contribution to the construction and operation of an oil pipeline from eastern Siberia to the Pacific Ocean (Eastern Pipeline) will be discussed this week when a State Duma delegation visits Pyongyang, said Konstantin Kosachyev, head of the delegation and chairman of the international affairs committee, on Tuesday.

"Our two countries have several promising projects, including the involvement of North Korea, and the eventual involvement of South Korea, in the Eastern Pipeline," Kosachyev said

He intends to discuss the reunification of the Trans-Siberian Railroad with the North and South Korean railroads.

"The implementation of this project will result in a single transport chain connecting Western Europe with the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula giving access to the international port of Pusan," Kosachyev said.

Last year trade between Russia and North Korea reached just over $140 million; $133 million came from Russian exports and only $7 million from imports from North Korea.

In comparison, last year's trade turnover between Russia and South Korea increased by 30% to reach over $4 billion.

At the start of the trip to North Korea, which will last three days, the State Duma delegation will meet with Kim Yong Nam, chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium, who is considered to be the second most senior official in the country.