Washington: President Lee Jae Myung on Monday expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump will forge a new path for peace on the Korean Peninsula as a "peacemaker," amid anticipation of a meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
According to Yonhap News Agency, in their inaugural summit at the White House, Lee urged Trump "to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, the only divided nation remaining in the world." This meeting was expected to address "alliance modernization" and trade issues, coinciding with a recent trade agreement that reduced U.S. tariffs on South Korean goods to 15 percent from a previously threatened 25 percent.
Trump conveyed his aspiration to meet North Korea's Kim this year, reiterating his intent to reengage with the isolated leader. "I hope you will meet Kim Jong-un and even build a 'Trump World' in North Korea so that I can play golf there, and that you will firmly play the role of a historic peacemaker," Lee told Trump.
Lee remarked that the Korean Peninsula enjoyed stability during Trump's first term but has faced challenges as the North advanced its nuclear and missile capabilities in recent years. "It is not easy for inter-Korean relations to improve through my involvement alone. In fact, the only person who can truly resolve this issue is President Trump," Lee stated, adding that he is ready to act as a 'pacemaker' to support Trump's peacemaking efforts.
Lee also expressed a desire to collaborate with Washington to boost U.S. shipbuilding and manufacturing. "A renaissance is taking place in the U.S. not only in shipbuilding but also in manufacturing, and I hope the Republic of Korea can join in that process," he stated, referring to South Korea's official name.