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Trump-Kim Summit Hopes Rise Amid APEC Summit—But Will They Meet?

South Korea is pushing for a meeting between the US and North Korean leaders. The Unification Ministry sees the APEC summit as a perfect chance for talks. However, a senior presidential official has poured cold water on the idea. Meanwhile, activity in the border village of Panmunjom has sparked speculation.

Key Points: South Korea Urges Trump Kim Meeting at APEC Summit

  • South Korea's ministry reiterates APEC is a good chance for US-North Korea talks
  • Trump said he is "open" to meeting Kim, fueling hopes for a summit
  • Activity in Panmunjom hints at possible preparations for a high-level meeting
  • A senior South Korean official calls a Trump-Kim meeting "very unlikely" at APEC
2 min read

South Korea's Unification Ministry emphasises APEC as 'good opportunity' for Trump-Kim meeting

South Korea's Unification Ministry calls APEC a "good opportunity" for a Trump-Kim meeting, despite a senior official stating it's "very unlikely" to occur.

"This APEC event is a good opportunity for the leaders of the US and North Korea to meet. - Koo Byoung-sam, Unification Ministry Spokesperson"

Seoul, Oct 27

The South Korea's unification ministry on Monday reiterated its call for U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to meet on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, describing the event as a "good opportunity" for their talks.

As Trump departed over the weekend for an Asia trip that includes a stop in South Korea on October 29-30 for the APEC meetings, Trump called North Korea "sort of a nuclear power" and said he is "open" to meeting with Kim, fueling hopes for their first meeting in more than six years, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"This APEC event is a good opportunity for the leaders of the US and North Korea to meet," Koo Byoung-sam, spokesperson at the unification ministry, said at a press briefing when asked about the possibility of a Trump-Kim meeting during the APEC period.

Koo renewed the call for a Trump-Kim meeting after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young last week called on the leaders of the two countries not to miss the opportunity to meet on the occasion of the APEC event.

In what could be a potential sign of preparation for a Trump-Kim meeting, North Korea has been seen doing cleaning, pruning, weeding and taking photographs on the northern side of the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom -- where Trump last met Kim in 2019 -- over the past week.

North Korea was observed cleaning the area over the weekend, Koo said, adding, however, that the activity appeared to be part of routine operations.

Meanwhile, a senior South Korean presidential official said that a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is "very unlikely" to happen during this APEC gathering.

Third Deputy National Security Adviser Oh Hyun-joo made the remark amid speculation about the possible meeting as Trump is scheduled to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday for the gathering in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.

“There are talks the two could meet, but (I) believe that possibility is very unlikely,” Oh said during a meeting with foreign media in Seoul.

Trump earlier said he was open to meeting Kim during his upcoming visit to South Korea in a press briefing aboard Air Force One on Friday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Another meeting? They've met before and nothing substantial came out of it. North Korea continues its nuclear program regardless. This feels like political drama for media attention.
A
Arjun K
South Korea seems genuinely interested in facilitating peace talks. Reminds me of how India often plays mediator role in international conflicts. Hope this diplomatic effort bears fruit!
S
Sarah B
The mixed signals from different officials are confusing. One ministry says it's a good opportunity, while security advisers say it's very unlikely. Shows how complex international diplomacy can be.
V
Vikram M
From India's perspective, any reduction in global tensions is welcome. Our economy depends on stable international relations. Hope they at least have informal talks if not formal meeting.
M
Michael C
The cleaning and maintenance activities at Panmunjom are interesting details. Even if it's routine, the timing suggests both sides are at least considering the possibility. Diplomatic body language matters!

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