Pyongyang (May 25, 2018): North Korea says Kim Jong Un is still willing to meet Donald Trump “at any time and in any way,” after the US President abruptly cancelled what would have been a historic summit between the two leaders scheduled for June.
Kim Kye Gwan, a top official at North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, said in comments published Friday by the country’s state-run news agency that Trump’s decision runs counter to the global community’s wishes for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
“We reiterate to the US that we are willing to sit face to face at any time and in any way,” said Kim, who has negotiated with US counterparts for years.
“I would like to conclude that President Trump’s statement on the North Korea-US summit is a decision that is not in line with the wishes of the who hope for the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula as well as the world.”
President Trump cancelled the summit Thursday in a letter addressed to Kim Jong Un, citing recent hostile comments from top North Korean officials and concern over Pyongyang’s willingness to give up its nuclear weapons. Trump said it would be “inappropriate” to have the summit given his worries.
North Korea and the US appeared to leave the door open for talks to resume at some point. “Our goal and will to do everything for peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the mankind remains unchanged, and we are willing to give time and opportunity to the US, always with a big and open mind,” Kim said.
Likewise, Trump said at the White House Thursday “if and when Kim Jong Un chooses to engage in constructive dialogue and actions, I am waiting.”
Both US and North Korea have refrained from insulting the leader of each country, a remarkable departure from 2017 when Trump called Kim “little rocket man” and a “sick puppy” and North Korean state media referred to the US President as a “dotard” and a “lunatic.”
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