In November 2000, President Clinton wanted to visit Pyongyang.

At the time of the signing, reporters visiting Pyongyang noted that the prime minister and his aides made little mention of nuclear issues.

The dish is served as a courtesy for important guests visiting Pyongyang and the question, "How was the trout soup?"

(I visited Pyongyang in 1989 but was refused a visa this time around.)

American officials visited Pyongyang that year.

Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, a small number of journalists from other Communist countries visited Pyongyang, the capital.

These are points former President Carter could usefully reinforce when he visits Pyongyang on a private visit next week.

Next month Vladimir Putin is scheduled to become the first top Russian leader ever to visit Pyongyang.

It is served as a courtesy for important guests visiting Pyongyang.

That may explain why the administration welcomed Japan's announcement Friday that its prime minister will visit Pyongyang.