President Donald Trump (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Korea Bizwire) – United States President Donald Trump has described North Korea as “sort of a nuclear power,” AFP reported Saturday, as he seeks to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his ongoing trip to Asia.
Trump made the remarks aboard Air Force One en route to Asia, AFP said, quoting him as saying, “I think they are sort of a nuclear power.”
“When you say they have to be recognized as a nuclear power, well, they got a lot of nuclear weapons, I’ll say that,” he was also quoted as saying.
Trump is seeking a meeting with Kim during his trip to Asia, including South Korea from Oct. 29-30 on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
A U.S. official said no meeting with Kim is currently on Trump’s schedule for the trip but added “things can change.”
Kim is apparently pursuing U.S. recognition as a nuclear power.
During a parliamentary meeting last month, he said he has “good memories” of Trump and remains open to talks with the U.S. if Washington drops its demand for the country’s denuclearization.
AFP also quoted Trump as saying, before leaving Washington, “I would … I’m open to it,” referring to speculation that he could meet Kim during his trip.
(Yonhap)
