Seoul: U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his upcoming visit to South Korea, provided Kim is interested in resuming diplomatic engagements. This potential meeting would mark a significant step in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump made these remarks aboard Air Force One while traveling to Malaysia as part of his broader Asia trip, which includes stops in South Korea and Japan. Scheduled to visit Korea on Wednesday and Thursday for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Trump is open to a meeting with Kim if it can be arranged. During a press session, Trump stated, "Well, I would if he would contact. The last time I met him, I put it out over the internet that I'm coming to South Korea and if he'd like to meet, I'm open to it. I'd do it."
Trump last met Kim at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom in June 2019, following earlier meetings in Singapore and Hanoi. He emphasized his positive relationship with Kim, saying, "He probably knows I'm coming, right? If you want to put out the word, I'm open to it. There's not a lot of ways other than the internet. They have very little telephonic service."
Despite Trump's openness, a senior U.S. official noted in a separate online briefing that a meeting with Kim is not currently on Trump's Asia trip agenda, though they acknowledged that "things can change." Speculation continues about the possibility of Trump seeking to revive personal diplomacy with Kim, as the White House has maintained that the president is willing to engage in talks with the North Korean leader "without any preconditions."