Trump says Kim Jong Un responded to offer of dialogue
US President Donald Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un responded to his overtures with an offer to resume negotiations. The American president did not disclose the content of the North Korean leader's response.
According to Trump, he maintains good relations with Kim Jong Un. The US president expressed interest in a new contact with the North Korean leader and stated that the steps taken by Washington make the situation on the Korean Peninsula safer.
The statement came amid the US decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump linked this approach to a desire to reduce tensions and create conditions for a possible dialogue with Pyongyang.
However, it is not yet known whether Kim Jong Un's response means readiness for a personal meeting or the start of official negotiations. Neither the date of potential contacts nor their format has been publicly announced.
The reduction of joint US-South Korean maneuvers drew criticism from some American politicians. In particular, Republican Senator Tom Tillis said reducing the scale of exercises could weaken the alliance with Seoul and free up additional North Korean forces.
Further concern in Washington is caused by Pyongyang's military cooperation with Moscow. American and South Korean military officials believe North Korean units are gaining practical combat experience, including in the use of drones, thanks to participation on Russia's side in the war against Ukraine.
Trump already held talks with Kim Jong Un during his first presidential term. At that time, the leaders of the US and the DPRK met in person several times, but failed to agree on a long-term resolution of North Korea's nuclear issue.
Current statements point to Washington's attempt to reopen a direct channel of communication with Pyongyang. However, for now it is only about Trump's statement about the received response—there is no confirmation of an agreement on a new meeting.
Based on materials from: Bloomberg, The Guardian
