Seoul – The South Korean unification ministry urged U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un to meet during the APEC summit, calling the event a “good opportunity” for talks.
Trump will arrive in South Korea on Oct. 29‑30 to attend the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Gyeongju. The president already said he is “open” to meeting Kim, sparking hope that the two leaders could meet for the first time in over six years. Yonhap News Agency reported that Trump described North Korea as “sort of a nuclear power,” but he remains willing to talk.
Koo Byoung‑sam, a spokesperson for the unification ministry, told reporters at a press briefing that the APEC event is an ideal chance for the U.S. and North Korea to sit down together. He echoed comments from Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young, who last week urged both leaders not to miss the opportunity.
In what some see as preparation for a possible meeting, North Korea has recently been seen clearing, pruning, and taking photos on the northern side of the inter‑Korean truce village of Panmunjom. The area – where Trump met Kim in 2019 – has been maintained over the past week, the ministry said. Koo added that the activity appeared routine but may signal readiness for a higher‑profile visit.
However, a South Korean senior official cautioned that a Trump‑Kim meeting during the APEC gathering is “very unlikely.” Third Deputy National Security Adviser Oh Hyun‑joo stated this during a briefing for foreign journalists in Seoul, noting that discussions about a meeting are speculative.
Trump reiterated his openness to a discussion with Kim during a press briefing aboard Air Force One on Friday, keeping anticipation high for what could become a historic summit at the APEC forum in Gyeongju.
Source: ianslive
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