Gyeongju: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has urged North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump to seize the opportunity for dialogue at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in South Korea. The gathering is set to take place in the southeastern city of Gyeongju on October 29-30.
According to Yonhap News Agency, speculation has arisen around the possibility of a meeting between Trump and Kim during the event. Although the likelihood of such a meeting is uncertain, Chung emphasized the potential impact of a dialogue on peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula. Trump and Kim have previously engaged in face-to-face discussions three times during Trump's first term, including a significant meeting at Panmunjom in June 2019.
Chung observed possible indications of preparations for a meeting, pointing out that North Koreans were seen performing maintenance work at their facility inside Panmunjom. He noted that this was the first instance this year of North Korean activity involving plucking grass and cleaning at the truce village.