Trump Plans Meeting with Kim Jong Un Amid Concerns from Allies

In a surprising announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he intends to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, aiming to rekindle the rapport they developed during his first term. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining a good relationship with Kim, revealing that North Korea currently possesses 57 'very powerful' nuclear weapons.

Trump's remarks come at a time when his administration is facing scrutiny for its foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran. He defended his decision to engage with Kim while simultaneously confronting Tehran, stating, 'I can't let Iran have a nuclear weapon. And I know Kim Jong Un very well, and he's going to be fine.'

While the specifics of the upcoming meeting remain unclear, reports suggest Trump may meet Kim during his trip to Shenzen, China, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November. This renewed focus on North Korea has raised eyebrows among U.S. allies in Asia, especially given the recent decision to scale back joint military drills with South Korea, which Trump labeled 'very insulting' to Kim.

These military exercises have long been viewed by Pyongyang as provocations, and the reduction in drills has led to speculation that Trump is seeking a political win as he navigates challenges elsewhere. Trump's previous summits with Kim, which included exchanges of 'beautiful letters,' garnered significant media attention but resulted in little progress on denuclearization.

Meanwhile, Kim Yo Jong, sister of the North Korean leader, expressed her unawareness of any recent communications between her brother and Trump but noted that Kim retains positive feelings about the former U.S. president. This statement came after South Korea announced an earlier conclusion to its annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which are designed to prepare for potential threats from the North.

Source: www.france24.com