Wi Sung-rak: "Trump Agrees on South Korea's Need for Nuclear Submarines... Shipbuilding Consultative Body to Be Launched" [Gyeongju APEC]

Trump Says He Is Ready for Active Dialogue with Kim Jong-un

On the 29th, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his understanding of South Korea's need for nuclear-powered submarines during a summit with President Lee Jae-myung, and proposed to hold follow-up consultations. The two leaders also agreed to launch a consultative body for cooperation between the two countries in the shipbuilding industry.

President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump are walking to the summit venue at Gyeongju Museum in Gyeongbuk on the 29th, engaging in conversation. Photo by Yonhap News.

Wi Sung-rak, Director of the National Security Office, stated during a briefing on the outcome of the South Korea-U.S. summit that "President Trump highly praised South Korea's active role in the alliance and expressed his understanding that South Korea needs nuclear-powered submarines in light of North Korea's submarine-building capabilities. He proposed to hold follow-up consultations on the matter."

Earlier, during the summit with President Trump held at the Gyeongju National Museum, President Lee requested, "I hope President Trump will make a decisive move so that South Korea can be supplied with fuel for nuclear-powered submarines."

Director Wi explained that President Trump highly praised South Korea's manufacturing capabilities, including its ability to build ships and submarines, and expressed high expectations for cooperation with South Korea.

Director Wi added, "President Trump said that South Korea's excellent shipbuilding technology could greatly contribute to the modernization and strengthening of the U.S. shipbuilding industry. The two leaders agreed to work toward achieving tangible results as soon as possible."

In particular, he announced, "The two countries have decided to launch a consultative body for cooperation in the shipbuilding industry."

Director Wi also stated that, regarding North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, "President Trump said he maintains a good relationship with Chairman Kim and is ready to engage in active dialogue for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula at any time, should Chairman Kim wish to do so."

He went on to say, "Although the possibility of a summit between the leaders of North Korea and the United States during this visit to South Korea appears low, since President Trump is willing to meet with Chairman Kim, it is expected that both sides will continue to seek opportunities for a meeting."

Director Wi further explained that President Trump showed his friendliness by telling President Lee, "If you have any difficulties, feel free to contact me at any time."

Director Wi stated, "President Trump said he would like to invite President Lee to the White House again." President Lee expressed his gratitude and replied that he would look for a convenient time for the visit.