US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year in an attempt to revive the relationship they developed during Trump’s first term in the White House.
Trump’s stance towards Pyongyang has shifted significantly, with the US president previously acknowledging his good relationship with Kim despite North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme remaining a major concern for Washington.
Speaking on Wednesday, Trump said maintaining a good relationship with Kim was important, citing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
“It is important for the US to have a good relationship with Kim Jong Un because North Korea has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons,” he said.
However, Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, has denied that North Korea is currently communicating with Trump, effectively rejecting claims that contact between the two sides has resumed.
Trump’s changing approach towards Pyongyang, coupled with moves to scale back joint military exercises between the US and South Korea, has raised concerns among Washington’s Asian allies.
The developments have also fuelled speculation that Trump could be seeking a foreign policy breakthrough, particularly as his efforts to resolve the conflict with Iran face difficulties.
Trump did not provide further details about the proposed meeting. However, The Wall Street Journal reported that he is considering meeting Kim during a planned visit to Shenzhen, China, where he could attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November.
Meanwhile, South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said North Korea is estimated to possess between 80 and 120 nuclear weapons.
South Korea continues to reject any formal recognition of Pyongyang as a nuclear-armed state, despite assessments that North Korea has significantly expanded its nuclear capabilities.
