Trump: We will have relations with North Korea

US President Donald Trump declared on February 7 that the United States will establish formal relations with North Korea, expressing confidence in his personal rapport with the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un.

"We will have relations with North Korea, with Kim Jong Un," Trump stated during a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the White House, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

Trump highlighted the importance of his positive relationship with Kim, noting, "I think it's a very big asset for everybody that I do get along with him. I mean, I get along with him, he gets along with me. And that's a good thing, not a bad thing."

While Trump embraced the idea of diplomacy with North Korea, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the ongoing concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, which he called a “serious threat” to Japan, the US, and the broader international community.

"Japan and the US will work together toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea," Ishiba said.

The two leaders also discussed the sensitive issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea during the 1970s and 1980s. Ishiba revealed that he had conveyed his determination to Trump and had received "renewed strong support" for resolving the abductions immediately.

Trump’s connection with Kim Jong Un has been notable, with the US president becoming the first sitting US president to step onto North Korean soil in 2019. That meeting, held at the demilitarized zone separating North and South Korea, was part of broader negotiations over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. Despite these efforts, North Korea has continued to test its weapons, including a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile launch in 2023.

As for the broader context of US foreign relations, Trump emphasized his commitment to strengthening ties with long-standing allies in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan. "After our meeting today, I'm confident that the cherished alliance between our two countries and others also will continue to flourish long and into the future," Trump remarked.

Regarding trade, Trump said he would announce reciprocal tariffs on several countries next week. When asked if Japan would be affected, he replied, "We're going to have tariffs, mostly reciprocal tariffs... and I'm going to be probably meeting on that on Monday... that's the only fair way to do it."

Prime Minister Ishiba, asked about the impact of tariffs, pointed out Japan's substantial investments in the US, which he argued would create jobs. "I am unable to respond to a theoretical question," he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova