President Trump early Wednesday hailed the results of a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, during which Kim is said to have agreed to take concrete steps toward dismantling his nuclear program.
“Kim Jong Un has agreed to allow Nuclear inspections, subject to final negotiations, and to permanently dismantle a test site and launch pad in the presence of international experts. In the meantime there will be no Rocket or Nuclear testing,” Trump tweeted as reports of the meeting emerged.
“Hero remains to continue being returned home to the United States,” he continued. “Also, North and South Korea will file a joint bid to host the 2032 Olympics. Very exciting!”
{mosads}Moon told reporters following a meeting with Kim in Pyongyang that the North had agreed to move toward abandoning its nuclear program subject to corresponding moves by the United States. It’s unclear what actions the U.S. would be expected to take.
In addition, Kim is expected to visit South Korea “in the near future,” and the two countries plan to submit a joint bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympic games.
The meeting was seen as a significant step forward in efforts to denuclearize the Korean peninsula after months of stagnation.
While Trump declared immediately after a June summit with Kim that North Korea was no longer a nuclear threat, reports had indicated that the North Koreans have yet to take meaningful steps to dismantle their nuclear arsenal.
U.S. officials have in recent weeks acknowledged the inaction, but Monday’s reports are likely to once again spur optimism.
The White House said last week that planning is underway for a second meeting between Trump and Kim.