18 October 14:28
International
Foto 2020 Images / Alamy / Profimedia
The Trump administration is holding unofficial discussions about a possible meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during the Asian tour scheduled for next month. Although no logistical preparations have been established and there are no official communications between Washington and Pyongyang, Trump has expressed a desire to meet with Kim. The attempt to send a letter to Kim has failed, and the White House is focusing more on a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump's interest in a discussion with Kim was stimulated by the visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who suggested that the APEC summit could be a favorable context. Kim has stated that he would be open to dialogue, but the current conditions are different from 2019, when previous meetings took place. Relations between South and North Korea have deteriorated, and the Unification Ministry in Seoul has confirmed the lack of communication channels. Although American security teams have evaluated locations in South Korea, they did not include the Panmunjom area, suggesting that a resumption of the 2019 summit is unlikely. The White House has not commented on this information.