U.S. President Donald Trump has made an unexpected diplomatic gesture, stating his personal wish to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming trip to South Korea.
Speaking to the media just before departing for a major tour of Asia, starting with Malaysia, President Trump signaled his openness for another face-to-face meeting. “I know Kim well, and we have a good relationship,” Trump remarked.
However, this personal expression was quickly tempered by official statements. A key U.S. official clarified that despite the president’s wish, a meeting with the North Korean leader is not currently part of the official schedule for the South Korea visit.
President Trump is traveling to Malaysia to participate in the 47th ASEAN leaders’ meeting. Following that, he will attend the APEC summit, with stops in both Japan and South Korea.
The visit to South Korea also includes a high-stakes, pre-scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as separate U.S. and Chinese delegations continue parallel trade negotiations in Malaysia.
