Kim Jong-un, Trump could meet on sidelines of APEC summit in South Korea, says minister

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit later this month, South Korea’s unification minister suggested on October 14, with the border village of Panmunjom a possible venue.

Minister Chung Dong-young raised the prospect during a parliamentary audit session, responding to a question from a ruling Democratic Party lawmaker, Caliber.Az reports via South Korean media.

He said analysis of public information suggests both leaders appear ready for discussions, and noted that Kim’s comments recalling “good memories” of Trump indicate a conditional willingness to meet.

Kim reportedly told North Korea’s parliament last month that Pyongyang is open to talks with Washington if demands for denuclearisation are eased. Trump is scheduled to visit South Korea in late October to attend APEC events in Gyeongju.

“Now, the key lies in the determination of President Trump,” Chung said, citing Panmunjom, the inter-Korean truce village on the border, as the likely location.

Chung added that any summit could hinge on Trump’s willingness to discuss South Korea-U.S. military exercises, which North Korea has long criticised as rehearsals for an invasion.

He also noted that Kim is the only figure in the North who can resolve the issue of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, and said Seoul hopes for an inter-Korean summit by 2026, though a meeting before next June’s local elections would be challenging.

By Aghakazim Guliyev