Trump Indicates Willingness to Meet Kim Jong-un Before End of Year

Strategic Insights -

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea later this year. During a press conference with President Lee Jae Myung at the White House, Trump stated that he hoped to meet with Kim again, emphasizing their positive relationship. He also mentioned the possibility of meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC Summit, describing it as "interesting." Lee Jae Myung noted that the situation on the Korean Peninsula had worsened during Trump's absence from office, but Trump attributed this to his absence and emphasized his commitment to resolving the North Korea issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump expressed his willingness to meet with Kim Jong-un at the APEC Summit in South Korea later this year.
  • Trump emphasized his positive relationship with Kim Jong-un, stating that they "get along great" and had become "very friendly" through their two summits in 2018 and 2019.
  • Trump pointed out that during his absence from office, North Korea developed more missiles and increased its nuclear capabilities.
  • Trump attributed the worsening situation on the Korean Peninsula to his absence from office and emphasized his commitment to resolving the North Korea issue.
  • Lee Jae Myung appealed to Trump to take up a renewed role in addressing the North Korea issue, stating that resolving the issue through his engagement was not an easy thing.
  • Trump agreed to work with Lee to address the North Korea issue, stating that "if we work together, we can make progress."

Statistics:

  • 2 summits were held between Trump and Kim Jong-un in 2018 and 2019.
  • During Trump's absence from office, North Korea developed more missiles and increased its nuclear capabilities.
  • The APEC Summit is scheduled to take place in October in Gyeongju, South Korea.

Sources:

  • "U.S. President Donald Trump indicates willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un before end of year," Yonhap News Agency.
  • "Trump says he 'gets along great' with Kim Jong-un, looks forward to meeting again," Reuters.
  • "Lee Jae Myung appeals to Trump to take up renewed role in addressing North Korea issue," Yonhap News Agency.