Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership could help break the impasse in the long-stalled nuclear talks with North Korea, as the new Lee Jae Myung government seeks to resume dialogue with Pyongyang. Cho made these remarks at a press conference, noting his communication with the U.S. during a recent visit to Washington.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the necessity of President Trump's leadership in creating new opportunities amidst the current diplomatic stagnation. He shared that the U.S. side received this perspective favorably, indicating potential progress through Trump's involvement. This comes as North Korea continues to resist reconciliation efforts from Seoul, demanding a "new thinking" approach that excludes denuclearization.
Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korea's leader, recently dismissed South Korea's efforts as a "pipe dream," pointing to ongoing propaganda activities and criticizing the postponement of joint military drills between South Korea and the United States as ineffective gestures. Despite these challenges, Cho highlighted close coordination with Washington on reviving dialogue with Pyongyang, though he refrained from providing further details.
Cho addressed the possibility of a meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, expressing cautious optimism while acknowledging the hypothetical nature of such a scenario. He stressed the importance of maintaining hope in diplomatic efforts.
A senior government official noted that future negotiations are unlikely to focus solely on North Korea's denuclearization or recognition as a nuclear state, emphasizing the need to find common ground. The official also dismissed concerns about South Korea yielding to U.S. demands, underscoring the mutual benefits expected from the alliance.
The official highlighted North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile programs and its military alliance with Russia, framing these developments as opportunities to strengthen South Korea-U.S. defense collaboration. Cho's recent visit to Tokyo, rather than the U.S., aimed to counter perceptions of the Lee government's stance toward Japan, reflecting a strategic diplomatic approach.
Cho reaffirmed a pragmatic approach to relations with China, emphasizing engagement to address differences while exploring areas for cooperation. He also announced plans to visit India to further diversify South Korea's diplomatic efforts.