South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called on U.S. President Donald Trump to take a leading role in addressing the North Korean issue, following Washington's recent moves in the Middle East, the presidential office said. Trump responded that he would act on the matter, according to the statement. The appeal comes as North Korea maintains its refusal to negotiate its nuclear program.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung formally requested U.S. President Donald Trump to assume a leading role in addressing North Korea's nuclear challenge, the South Korean presidential office said Thursday. The call — relayed in a direct exchange between the two leaders — comes as Washington has demonstrated its capacity to project force in the Middle East, according to the statement. Trump responded that he would act on the issue, though no timeline or specific measures were mentioned.
The request reflects the liberal Lee administration's ongoing efforts to reduce tensions with Pyongyang through diplomatic channels, even as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has repeatedly declared his country's nuclear program non-negotiable. This week, the G7 leaders issued a joint statement reiterating their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
The Zioneer has previously reported on North Korea's missile production expansion and deepening strategic ties with China and Russia, which continue to complicate diplomatic resolution.
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- Internal intake