The presidential office announced on October 19 that, in response to foreign media reports about President Donald Trump’s private discussions regarding a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming Asia visit next month, the U.S. and South Korea will continue their close communication and cooperation on North Korea policy, including U.S.-North Korea dialogue.
In a press statement, the presidential office reiterated that both countries have consistently expressed their openness to dialogue with North Korea to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.
Previously, CNN reported on October 18, citing multiple sources, that the Trump administration was privately discussing the possibility of a meeting between President Trump and Chairman Kim during Trump’s upcoming Asia tour next month.
However, prospects for the meeting actually taking place are considered slim. According to the report, no concrete plans have been made for the meeting, and unlike during Trump’s first term, there is currently no direct communication between the U.S. and North Korea.
Two sources revealed that President Trump initially reached out to Chairman Kim earlier this year, but North Korea did not accept the letter, resulting in no response.
Meanwhile, President Trump is scheduled to embark on his Asia tour in late October. He will visit Japan from October 27 to 29, followed by a trip to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit starting on October 29.