South Korea: US, North Korea to resume nuclear talks ‘soon’

A senior South Korean official told reporters on Thursday that the U.S. and North Korea are expected to resume negotiations on Pyongyang’s nuclear program “soon,” boosting hopes that the two sides can revive stalled talks.

“My impression was that North Korea and the United States would carry out dialogue soon, and it would go well,” South Korea’s deputy national security adviser, Kim Hyun-chong, said after meeting U.S. envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun in Seoul, according to Reuters.

{mosads}Washington has urged Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear program, though talks have not advanced since a summit in Vietnam in February ended early without a deal.

President Trump expressed optimism that he could reach a deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after a historic meeting in June at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, where he became the first sitting president to step foot into North Korea.

“It was great to call on Chairman Kim of North Korea to have our very well covered meeting. Good things can happen for all!” the president tweeted after the meeting. 

Thank you to President Moon of South Korea for hosting the American Delegation and me immediately following the very successful G-20 in Japan. While there, it was great to call on Chairman Kim of North Korea to have our very well covered meeting. Good things can happen for all!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2019

However, Pyongyang has launched a series of short-range projectiles since the June meeting, saying joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea and Seoul’s acquisition of American F-35 stealth fighter jets were meant to threaten the North.

Trump has dismissed the launches, saying Kim does not want to “disappoint” him and that the North Korean strongman even apologized. 

“I look forward to seeing Kim Jong Un in the not too distant future! A nuclear free North Korea will lead to one of the most successful countries in the world!” Trump tweeted this month.

….also a small apology for testing the short range missiles, and that this testing would stop when the exercises end. I look forward to seeing Kim Jong Un in the not too distant future! A nuclear free North Korea will lead to one of the most successful countries in the world!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2019