On August 14, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump is necessary to create a new breakthrough in North Korea-U.S. dialogue.
During a briefing with the domestic press corps held at the annex of the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Minister Cho addressed a related question, saying, "When I met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House aides, I told them, 'It seems that President Trump's leadership is needed to create a new breakthrough in the current situation, and we hope for that.' The U.S. side was quite receptive to this," he explained.
Minister Cho also addressed the possibility that North Korea may demand recognition as a nuclear-armed state as a precondition for dialogue, stating, "So far, the United States maintains the position that North Korea cannot possess nuclear weapons. Therefore, I think various forms of negotiation and compromise will be necessary." In this regard, a senior government official commented, "North Korea-U.S. dialogue cannot proceed on the premise of complete denuclearization, nor can it proceed as an arms reduction negotiation recognizing North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. I believe a common ground will be found somewhere to begin negotiations."
Regarding the possibility of North Korea-U.S. dialogue taking place on the occasion of the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, Minister Cho said, "That is a hypothetical situation, so I cannot answer."
Minister Cho was also asked about the extent to which issues such as the modernization of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the reduction of U.S. Forces Korea could be discussed at the upcoming South Korea-U.S. summit scheduled for the 25th. He replied, "Consultations and negotiations are currently underway at the working level," and refrained from further comment, saying, "It would be inappropriate to discuss details."
Regarding U.S. Forces Korea Commander Xavier Brunson's suggestion of a possible reduction of U.S. troops in Korea, a senior government official said, "The commander was merely expressing his personal opinion about numbers, which we are not paying much attention to. With technological advancements, it could be seen as a possibility in the future," he added.
Meanwhile, Minister Cho commented on himself and President Lee Jaemyung visiting Japan before the United States, saying, "This is possible because the Lee Jaemyung administration pursues pragmatic policies. It is the philosophy of practical diplomacy being put into action." A senior government official stated that Minister Cho's visit to Japan was directed by President Lee, adding, "There had been a mistaken frame or stigma of being anti-Japanese attached to the Lee Jaemyung administration, but with the President visiting Japan first, I believe any prejudice held against our government in the United States will be dispelled at once."
Minister Cho is scheduled to visit India this weekend. He stated, "This will serve as an important stepping stone in diversifying our diplomacy."
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