Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated on Sunday that the likelihood of a U.S.-North Korea summit taking place during a regional forum in South Korea later this year is "very low for now." Speaking on a KBS news program, Cho addressed speculation regarding a potential meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho Hyun emphasized that the possibility of such a summit is minimal at this time. He also noted that no official invitation has been sent to the North Korean leader for APEC. However, Cho acknowledged that if a meeting were to happen, it could present an opportunity to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula and work towards North Korea's denuclearization.
In addition, Cho discussed Kim Jong-un's planned visit to China this week, suggesting that the North Korean leader is likely looking to mend ties with Beijing. Cho pointed out North Korea's recent closeness to Russia and hinted at the limitations of both Russia and China in their relations with North Korea. Kim is expected to attend a military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, appearing on a KBS radio program, expressed his thoughts on the upcoming APEC summit and President Trump's potential attendance. Wi suggested that Trump's attendance is highly likely, based on recent discussions during a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Trump in Washington. Regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping's attendance, Wi indicated that it remains a possibility, as South Korean special envoys have had discussions with Chinese officials.
Wi also expressed doubts about extending a formal invitation to the North Korean leader for the APEC summit, cautioning against raising expectations of Kim's attendance.