Moon and Trump discuss North Korea. Agreements and disagreements
Trump has pledged to step up pressure on Pyongyang. Moon does not want to put diplomacy and humanitarian aspects aside. In the background, the creation of Thaad, the American missile shield in South Korea that enrages Beijing.
Washington (AsiaNews / Agencies) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump had a frank discussion at last night's dinner at the White House on the Korean peninsula's situation, including North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
In a message posted on his Twitter account, Trump wrote that the summit also produced "a new trade agreement." Moon wrote in the White House guests book on his arrival: "Korea-US Alliance: a great journey towards peace and prosperity ". Details of the talks between the two have not been disclosed. However, the President of the United States and his South Korean counterpart agreed on intent to halt nuclear testing in North Korea but disagreed on sanctions and the total isolation of the Pyongyang regime with the possible consequences on the population.
"The two heads of state have agreed on the need to further develop the alliance of their countries by promoting the denuclearization of North Korea and establishing peace on the entire peninsula on the basis of their alliance," explained Yoon Young-chan, press officer for the South Korean Presidency, without giving away any details.
Seoul officials explained that establishing a close and personal relationship between leaders was a key goal for South Korea before passing on measures to contain the North Korean President Kim Jong-un. In this regard the news reports refer to a brief private encounter. There was an unscheduled divergence from the agenda in the afternoon when Trump invited Moon to visit his private apartment located on the third floor of the White House. A gesture outside of formal protocol and out of the ordinary for Trump.
"Tonight we will have great discussions," Trump anticipated before dinner, alongside his wife Melania and Moon at his right. Sitting beside Moon at the elegant table decorated with flowers was his wife Kim Jung-sook. There were also members of Trump's cabinet and of the Korean delegation.
Trump's administration has pledged to step up pressure on Pyongyang and its nuclear program by acting on China, the main diplomatic ally of Kim Jong-un and Moon, who instead intends to pursue the policy of aid to the North's population. Moon met representatives of republicans and Democrats Paul Ryan and Nancy Pelosi yesterday. "We share the concerns and threats facing both of our nations from North Korea," said Ryan. The South Korean President replied by saying that when it comes to humanitarian issues, "we must cross borders and overcome all divisions to seek unity".
Trump and Moon will continue their talks today. On the agenda there is the controversial US missile defense system that was installed in South Korea for the protection of missiles from the North. Although parts of the high-altitude area defense system (Thaad) are already operational, Moon suspended the program's further expansion following Beijing’s threat of economic sanctions and diplomatic protests.
.png)
12/02/2016 15:14
22/03/2019 12:05
22/02/2022 14:29
