Tokyo: U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a "very big asset for everybody," as he confirmed his commitment to maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump made these comments during a joint press conference following his first in-person summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. During the summit, Ishiba highlighted that both leaders affirmed their countries' dedication to working towards the "complete denuclearization of North Korea."
"We will have relations with North Korea, with Kim Jong-un. I got along with him very well," Trump stated, emphasizing the positive nature of his relationship with the North Korean leader. He underscored this relationship as a significant asset, suggesting that his personal diplomacy with Kim has helped prevent a serious conflict from arising.
Trump claimed credit for stopping potential war, suggesting that if he had not been elected, the situation could have deteriorated significantly. His remarks have fueled expectations for the possible resumption of diplomatic engagement with Kim. Last month, in a Fox News interview, Trump expressed his intention to reconnect with Kim, referring to him as a "smart guy."
During the discussions with Ishiba, Trump reiterated the shared commitment to ensuring peace and security in the Korean Peninsula. He highlighted the importance of maintaining stability through strength across the Indo-Pacific region, a commitment that he initiated during his first term.
Prime Minister Ishiba noted that the talks with Trump were open and covered a range of regional challenges, including North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. The Japanese leader emphasized the importance of addressing these issues as they pose a significant threat to Japan and the U.S., and stressed the necessity of collaboration towards denuclearization.
The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation with like-minded countries, including South Korea, and through multilateral platforms such as the Quad forum, which includes the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia. They reinforced their resolve to oppose any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea and to uphold a "free and open" Indo-Pacific.
Ishiba also conveyed his urgency regarding the resolution of the abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korea, expressing hope that with Trump's renewed leadership, progress could be made on this issue. He emphasized the aging of the abductees and their families, stressing the need for timely resolution alongside denuclearization efforts.