North Korea's Kim Yong Nam seen leaving Beijing airport

Nov. 20 (UPI) -- North Korea's titular head of state arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, en route to Latin America for meetings with the leaders of Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela, according to a South Korean press report.

President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea Kim Yong Nam was seen at Beijing's Capital International Airport, after disembarking from an Air Koryo JS151 flight, Yonhap reported.

Kim left the airport using a VIP exit, where a Chinese state-owned vehicle, and North Korean Ambassador to China Ji Jae Ryong were waiting for him.

Kim could be traveling to Latin America in place of leader Kim Jong Un, who was most recently providing field guidance at a North Korean optical glass factory.

Kim Yong Nam was seen accompanied by more than ten high-ranking North Korean officials at the airport in China.

Chinese authorities had stepped up security in the area. Eight public security vehicles were seen at the location as Kim was escorted to safety.

Kim could spend the night in the Chinese capital and leave for Cuba on Wednesday morning, according to Yonhap.

Ahead of Kim's arrival, Pyongyang's state-controlled news agency KCNA reported Kim could be making official visits to Cuba and Venezuela.

The North Korean nominal head of state could also be attending the inauguration ceremony of Mexican President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador.