Trump-Kim Meeting 'Not on the Schedule' for Asia Trip: US
Despite speculation, a meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un is not planned during Trump's upcoming trip to South Korea.
Donald Trump is not scheduled to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while in South Korea next week, according to a senior US official.
This clarification comes despite earlier speculations about the possibility of such a meeting during Trump's tour of Asia.
The senior US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity during a press call, stated that while Trump has expressed his willingness to meet Kim Jong Un in the future, it is not included in his schedule for this particular trip.
The purpose of Trump's visit to South Korea is primarily to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, which is set to take place on Wednesday.
South Korea's unification minister, Chung Dong-young, had earlier expressed a 'considerable' chance of a meeting between Trump and Kim during the visit.
Chung noted that North Korea appears to be paying attention to the United States and various signs suggest a considerable possibility of a meeting occurring.
US media outlets have reported on discussions among Trump's administration officials about setting up a meeting between Trump and Kim.
The two leaders last held talks in 2019, during Trump's first presidency.
Trump has expressed his hope to meet Kim again, possibly later this year.
Kim Jong Un has also indicated that he harbors 'fond memories' of Trump and remains open to discussions if the United States drops its demand for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
In response to these developments, Seoul has urged both leaders not to let the chance of a meeting slip away, emphasizing that they should seize any opportunity for dialogue.
Chung stated that his ministry, which handles relations with North Korea, is keen on exploring every possible avenue for improving inter-Korean ties and is hopeful about the prospects of a Trump-Kim summit, even if it means pursuing a small chance of success.
This clarification comes despite earlier speculations about the possibility of such a meeting during Trump's tour of Asia.
The senior US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity during a press call, stated that while Trump has expressed his willingness to meet Kim Jong Un in the future, it is not included in his schedule for this particular trip.
The purpose of Trump's visit to South Korea is primarily to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, which is set to take place on Wednesday.
South Korea's unification minister, Chung Dong-young, had earlier expressed a 'considerable' chance of a meeting between Trump and Kim during the visit.
Chung noted that North Korea appears to be paying attention to the United States and various signs suggest a considerable possibility of a meeting occurring.
US media outlets have reported on discussions among Trump's administration officials about setting up a meeting between Trump and Kim.
The two leaders last held talks in 2019, during Trump's first presidency.
Trump has expressed his hope to meet Kim again, possibly later this year.
Kim Jong Un has also indicated that he harbors 'fond memories' of Trump and remains open to discussions if the United States drops its demand for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
In response to these developments, Seoul has urged both leaders not to let the chance of a meeting slip away, emphasizing that they should seize any opportunity for dialogue.
Chung stated that his ministry, which handles relations with North Korea, is keen on exploring every possible avenue for improving inter-Korean ties and is hopeful about the prospects of a Trump-Kim summit, even if it means pursuing a small chance of success.
