South Korean president asks Trump to lead diplomacy with North Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to take the lead in diplomatic efforts concerning North Korea, drawing a parallel to recent Middle East agreements. The appeal was made on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Évian, France.

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hope with interest your participation to secure the establishment of a sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula

Lee expressed his anticipation for Trump's engagement in "securing the establishment of a sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula." According to a statement from South Korean presidential spokesperson Oh Hyun-joo, Lee suggested that Trump follow the example set by recent diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East.

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firm determination of playing a fundamental role in advancing the issue of the Korean Peninsula

In response, Trump conveyed a "firm determination to play a fundamental role in advancing the issue of the Korean Peninsula." He indicated that the U.S. would consider various "ways to contribute to peace." Trump described Lee as a "strong leader" and expressed a "deep interest in the long geopolitical history" of the region and the current state of inter-Korean relations, which remain technically in a state of war.

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strong leader

The administration of President Lee, which began a year ago, has made conciliatory gestures and offered to resume contact with Pyongyang. However, North Korean authorities have consistently rejected these overtures.

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deep interest in the long geopolitical history