The spokesperson, who speaks for the South Korean parliament, said earlier today that President Trump expressed his wish to visit the DMZ if he ever visits the country again during a brief conversation with South Korean lawmakers. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 8 (Korea Bizwire) – U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would like to visit the Demilitarized Zone next time he’s in South Korea after his trip was canceled this morning due to foggy weather, a spokesperson for the National Assembly said.
The spokesperson, who speaks for the South Korean parliament, said earlier today that President Trump expressed his wish to visit the DMZ if he ever visits the country again during a brief conversation with South Korean lawmakers.
The revelation comes after the spokesperson informed Yonhap News Agency in a phone interview that a surprise visit to the highly sensitive area scheduled for today had been postponed indefinitely.
Trump was scheduled to visit the border with North Korea before addressing the National Assembly later this morning, a surprise trip planned the day before at President Moon’s request, but heavy fog forced the Marine One helicopter carrying the U.S. president return to Seoul without visiting the DMZ.
After a failed attempt to land at the DMZ, Trump returned to Seoul and headed to the National Assembly building where he met with a number of South Korean lawmakers and other senior government officials including Chairman of the National Assembly Chung Sye-kyu.
Trump was accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster.
During a brief meeting that lasted for three to four minutes before his speech at the National Assembly, Trump allegedly expressed regret over a cancelled trip to the DMZ this morning.
According to Kim, other officials didn’t comment as the meeting ended abruptly.
Trump’s speech at the National Assembly, the first by a U.S. president in 25 years, was delayed by 24 minutes, after modifications were made to the original speech.
A source close to the National Assembly said Trump met again with Chung briefly.
“President Trump wanted to see Chairman Chung again, who was in his office. President Trump held Chairman Chung’s hand and thanked him,” the source explained.
Prior to President Trump’s speech, another meeting was held between South Korean business leaders and U.S. presidential aides to discuss their planned U.S. investments, according to a local business lobby.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
