Trump Says Kim Responded to US Outreach
US President Donald Trump has said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has responded to his efforts to reopen communication, while again defending his personal relationship with the North Korean leader. Trump, however, did not disclose when or how Kim responded or confirm details of any recent direct conversation.
Trump Says Kim Responded to US Outreach
During remarks at the White House, Trump was questioned about whether Kim had responded to his attempts to re-establish contact. Trump said that he had, describing the development positively but providing no further details about the communication.
Reports suggesting Trump recently spoke directly with Kim go beyond what has been publicly confirmed. Trump developed an unusual personal diplomatic relationship with the North Korean leader during his first presidency, including high-profile summits in Singapore and Hanoi.
Trump Defends Relationship With Kim Jong Un
Trump again defended his relationship with Kim, saying the North Korean leader had treated him with respect and stressing that the two had developed an understanding during their earlier diplomatic engagement.
The US president has repeatedly signalled interest in reviving direct diplomacy with Pyongyang.
The strategic environment has changed significantly since their earlier meetings, with North Korea expanding its nuclear and missile capabilities and deepening military cooperation with Russia.
US-North Korea Diplomacy Back in Focus
Trump’s comments come as Washington reassesses its approach to the Korean Peninsula and seeks possible channels for renewed engagement with Pyongyang.
His administration has also moved to reduce the scale of some joint military exercises with South Korea, a longstanding point of contention for North Korea.
No new Trump-Kim summit or formal negotiations have been announced, leaving the extent of the renewed communication unclear.
