Trump says US to attempt to achieve peace between N. Korea, S. Korea
(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump stated Wednesday that his administration will work “very hard” to secure a peace deal between North and South Korea, expressing confidence that a resolution can eventually be reached.
Previous US administrations have sought to curb North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs while improving inter-Korean relations. Although progress has been limited, Trump said he is optimistic about achieving a lasting agreement on the divided peninsula.
Addressing South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump noted the Koreas remain technically at war since the 1953 armistice, but he emphasized: “We'll see what we can do to get that all straightened out.”
He added: “We'll work very hard with Kim Jong Un and with everybody on getting things straightened out, because that makes sense. It's common sense that that should work out, and I feel certain that it will, may take a little time, you have to have a little patience, but I feel absolutely certain that it will.”
Trump has met with Kim Jong Un three times during his first term, including a 2019 encounter at the demilitarized zone, marking the first occasion a US president set foot in North Korea. While his team sought to schedule another meeting during his current five-day Asia tour, he noted they “weren't able to work out timing.”
Lee praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts globally, stating: “I hope that your peacemaking skills can be applied to the Korean Peninsula, so that we can bring peace on the Korean Peninsula as well.” He expressed regret that a new summit with Kim did not materialize.
Regarding defense, Lee noted South Korea’s decision to expand its budget and reiterated the need for “conventionally” armed, nuclear-powered submarines. “We're not aiming for nuclear armed submarines, but rather conventionally armed submarines powered by nuclear energy, because our conventional submarines have limited capabilities,” he said.
Lee also affirmed continued investment in the US and support for “your endeavor in revitalizing your manufacturing sectors and shipbuilding sector cooperation.”
Ahead of the meeting, Trump received a replica of a gold crown from an ancient Korean kingdom and South Korea’s highest honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, marking the first time a US president has been awarded the decoration.
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