IAEA Chief: Trump and Kim Jong Un Should Meet; Dialogue is the Essence of Diplomacy

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has voiced his support for a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un, asserting that "it is very important for the two leaders to meet." Grossi shared these views during an interview with The Washington Post at the Stimson Center in Washington.

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Leaders must meet each other... Handshakes should be followed by dialogue.

His remarks follow President Trump's recent statement indicating plans to meet with Kim later this year. Trump had previously highlighted his positive relationship with Kim, stating, "It's good that I get along with him, not bad," while also claiming North Korea possesses "57 very powerful nuclear weapons." Despite criticism that previous summits have not yielded substantial progress on denuclearization, Trump has consistently expressed his willingness to meet Kim again.

Grossi, recognized as a global expert in arms control, stressed that dialogue should not be excluded due to Kim Jong Un's authoritarian rule or human rights record. He drew a parallel to the IAEA's mediation efforts in nuclear safety issues between Russia and Ukraine, stating, "People say, 'How can you shake hands with that person?' But a handshake is why diplomacy exists."

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It is very important for the two leaders to meet.

He further elaborated, "Handshakes should be followed by dialogue, and that dialogue should be conducted in a respectful and courteous atmosphere, and ultimately, it should be aimed at achieving something." This perspective underscores his belief in the necessity of direct engagement, even with adversaries, to foster progress.

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It's good that I get along with him, not bad.

Additionally, Grossi is a candidate for the next UN Secretary-General position, with the current term of António Guterres ending this year. He is among eight publicly declared candidates, five of whom are women, reflecting a growing call for a female UN leader. Grossi highlights his experience in international peace and security as a key strength in his candidacy.

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North Korea possesses 57 very powerful nuclear weapons.