US President Donald Trump says he has confirmed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has responded to his request for dialogue, describing the exchange as “very positive.”
Trump made the disclosure at the White House on Monday, a day after ordering the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.
Asked why Kim had not responded to his outreach, Trump replied that the North Korean leader had, in fact, responded though he provided no details about the communication.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in reviving direct talks with Kim, with the two leaders last meeting in 2019 before negotiations broke down over North Korea’s nuclear programme.
He also defended his decision to scale back military drills with South Korea, saying the exercises were costly and sent an inappropriate signal to Pyongyang.
Trump criticised South Korea for refusing to assist the United States and Israel in the war with Iran, questioning the level of US military support for Seoul.
South Korea, however, said the exercises were defensive and intended to protect its people, with President Lee Jae Myung’s office stressing that they were not aimed at attacking North Korea or escalating tensions.
North Korea has not publicly commented on Trump’s latest statement. Analysts say Pyongyang may take its time before responding formally, particularly as Kim’s position has strengthened through closer ties with Russia and China.
Trump said he believes he understood Kim and that the North Korean leader understood him, suggesting that personal diplomacy could once again play a role in efforts to engage Pyongyang.
