Donald Trump is seeking another face-to-face meeting with Kim Jong-un, and the U.S. president has mobilized his aides for a possible meeting in the fall.
The Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials, that Trump had specifically raised the possibility of meeting the North Korean leader during his next trip to Asia. The visit could coincide with the period when world leaders are expected to gather in Shenzhen, China, in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
No official schedule for a summit
However, no official planning is currently underway for a new summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un. Trump’s request has once again highlighted his desire to communicate directly with Kim Jong-un after the two leaders held three meetings during the U.S. president’s first term.
A White House official said Trump and Kim would meet “at an appropriate time.” North Korea’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump: We understand each other
Trump said he had responded to Kim Jong-un’s request for a meeting. After a journalist suggested that Pyongyang had not responded to the request, Trump said the North Korean leader had always shown him great respect.
Trump said the two leaders had met many times, held two important meetings and spent time together. “I understand him, and he understands me,” he said.
South Korean exercises also on the agenda
Trump made the remarks one day after instructing the Pentagon to “significantly reduce” planned joint military exercises with South Korea. The instruction cited the cost of the exercises and Trump’s relationship with the North Korean leader as reasons.