Seoul: The presidential office announced South Korea's willingness to support nuclear talks between North Korea and the United States if they resume, while reaffirming its unwavering goal of denuclearization despite Pyongyang's insistence for Washington to abandon this objective.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the announcement follows remarks by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at a parliamentary meeting, expressing openness to dialogue with the U.S. if it relinquishes its demand for North Korea's denuclearization. Kim recalled a "good memory" of past interactions with U.S. President Donald Trump during their 2018 and 2019 meetings, yet firmly stated that North Korea has no plans to abandon its nuclear capabilities or seek reunification with South Korea.
"We will support North Korea-U.S. dialogue," a presidential official stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to easing tensions and fostering trust with North Korea from a long-term perspective, aiming to overcome hostility and work towards peaceful relations. However, the official reaffirmed that denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula remains a priority, aiming to establish a region free of nuclear weapons.
The Lee Jae Myung administration acknowledges North Korea's system and does not seek unification by absorption, the official added. In response to Kim's statements, the foreign ministry reiterated its efforts to resume dialogue with Pyongyang to address nuclear issues, maintaining a consistent stance alongside the U.S. for open dialogue to ensure peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Both South Korea and the U.S. will continue their close communication and coordination regarding future North Korea-U.S. talks and overall policy towards North Korea. The unification ministry echoed similar sentiments, affirming South Korea's intent to avoid any actions perceived as hostile toward North Korea. Koo Byoung-sam, spokesperson at the ministry, emphasized the government's goal to reduce hostility and develop peaceful ties with North Korea by easing tensions and restoring trust over time.
Kim's comments marked his first direct remarks about his relationship with Trump amid speculation that Trump might seek a surprise meeting with Kim at the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom during his upcoming visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Trump previously met with Kim three times during his first term, including summits in Singapore in June 2018 and Hanoi in February 2019.