Trump Hints at Third Summit with DPRK's Kim Jong Un
This Monday at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump kicked off his first face-to-face with visiting Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Jae-myung by dropping a teaser: he hopes to meet DPRK leader Kim Jong Un again this year. 🤝
Trump said he has a 'very good relationship' with Kim and praised the DPRK's 'tremendous potential.' He reminded everyone of their history: from the historic Singapore summit in June 2018 to follow-up meetings in Hanoi and at Panmunjom in 2019.
The mood at the Trump-Lee gathering started a bit awkward. Trump had earlier confused some by mentioning a 'Purge or Revolution' in the ROK on social media – a comment he later chalked up to a misunderstanding between allies.
Beyond diplomatic small talk, the two sides are still haggling over big issues: nuclear energy deals, military spending and the $350 billion ROK investment pledge from their July trade agreement. Lee, cranking up his inside knowledge, admitted he read Trump's 1987 memoir 'The Art of the Deal' to prepare and even talked up golf and White House decor. ⛳️🎨
On the question of U.S. troops in the ROK, Trump played it close to the vest. He hinted at giving the U.S. control of more land – possibly Camp Humphreys – but refused to commit to pulling back forces.
All signs point to a busy year ahead in inter-Korean diplomacy – and for anyone following the U.S.-Republic of Korea-DPRK triangle, the next chapter could be the biggest yet. Stay tuned! 🌍✨
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Trump says he hopes to meet Kim Jong Un at meeting with ROK's Lee
cgtn.com
