Trump ‘clearly’ wants dialogue with Pyongyang, says South Korean President

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Seoul: US President Donald Trump “clearly” wants to resume dialogue with North Korea, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday, as Seoul works to help restart talks between Washington and Pyongyang.

Lee said a new meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un remained difficult but possible. He said South Korea was making preliminary efforts to help facilitate US-North Korea talks.

Trump has said he wants to meet Kim again later this year and has spoken of the importance of maintaining ties with the North Korean leader. Pyongyang, however, has not given a clear response to the latest US overtures.

Lee also ruled out sending South Korean troops or military assets that could involve the country in the war involving Iran. He said Seoul would maintain its policy of non-involvement in the conflict.

South Korea will instead consider only limited measures to protect its citizens, commercial vessels and oil shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz.

The comments came amid renewed tensions on the Korean peninsula, with North Korea warning of a stronger response to US-led military activities while Washington continues to seek renewed engagement with Pyongyang.