Trump Open to Meeting with Kim Jong Un During Asia Trip

Late Friday, President Trump expressed that he was “100 percent” willing to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while visiting Asia.

He remarked to reporters aboard Air Force One, en route to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, saying, “If he contacts me, I will. The last time I went to Korea, I let the world know about it online. If he wants to meet, I’m happy to do so. They might have a lot of nuclear weapons, but phone service isn’t great there. I’m open to this.”

Trump added, “He probably knows I’m coming, right? Yeah, I’m totally okay with it. I had a good rapport with Kim Jong Un.”

Despite ongoing tensions regarding nuclear weapons, leaders from both countries have often commented on their positive relationship. Back in February, Trump mentioned that the U.S. would engage with North Korea.

His trip will also include attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, alongside visits to Japan and South Korea. It’s his first official visit to the region since January.

Trump is expected to meet Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female leader, and later will have discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He congratulated Takaichi on her victory, sharing his enthusiasm about their meeting. “I’ve heard wonderful things about her. She’s going to do great things. She was a great friend to Mr. Abe, who was a wonderful person,” he said, recalling his friendship with the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Regarding the essential meeting with Xi, Trump acknowledged, “We have a lot to discuss, especially on topics like farmers and various trade agreements that have been broken or upheld. I think it will be a beneficial meeting.”

He noted that both sides might need to make concessions during the ongoing trade war, stating, “They’ll need to make concessions, and so will we. We’re imposing a hefty tariff of 157% on them, which isn’t really sustainable for them. They want a resolution, and we have specific demands.”

When asked about potential pressure from Japan regarding trade negotiations, Trump said, “Maybe so. I’m open to whatever solutions they have. Our relationship with Japan is strong, and I believe that will continue.”

On the subject of a potential agreement with South Korea, he indicated it was “close” to fruition.

Trump also highlighted his administration’s involvement in fostering ceasefire discussions between Thailand and Cambodia earlier in the year, following threats to pause a trade deal if tensions persisted. He mentioned that Malaysia played a crucial role in these negotiations, saying, “I told a very good Malaysian leader, ‘I think I owe you a trip,’ which is why we’re stopping in Malaysia.”

This international trip comes as the government shutdown reached its 25th day on Saturday.