Trump Expresses Willingness to Meet Again with North Korean Leader

Hours after the North Korean leader's New Year message, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on his Twitter account that he is "also willing" to meet with Kim Jong-un. On the first day of 2019, following the tradition of previous years, Kim Jong-un expressed his desire for another meeting with the U.S. President and a move towards denuclearization, warning that "if our patience runs out, we will take a new path." The North Korean leader indicated that there might be a "new path" ahead. Trump quoted PBS news on Twitter, stating: "Kim Jong-un says North Korea will not test or build nuclear weapons, nor will they give them to others, and he is ready to meet with President Trump at any time." The U.S. President added, "I also want to meet with Secretary Kim, who understands the high economic potential of North Korea." Trump and Kim met once last spring in Singapore and agreed to take steps towards denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea did not conduct ballistic missile tests or nuclear tests in 2018; however, various reports have emerged regarding Pyongyang's ultimate intentions and whether it would be willing to dismantle its entire nuclear arsenal and ballistic missiles. North Korea has also taken actions, such as the destruction of parts of its sensitive sites. Nevertheless, Pyongyang has not hidden its dissatisfaction with the unilateral process, the lack of easing or lifting sanctions, the continuation of military exercises, and the failure to sign a peace treaty between the two Koreas. Senior officials in the Trump administration have emphasized that sanctions will be lifted only after complete denuclearization in North Korea. On Tuesday, the North Korean leader stated in his annual New Year message, "I am always ready to meet and talk with the President of the United States and will strive to reach a result that will be welcomed by the international community." However, Kim Jong-un added, "If the United States does not fulfill its promises and continues unilateral actions, sanctions, and pressures, making a wrong judgment about our patience and tolerance, we may have no choice but to take a new path." It is unclear what North Korea means by "new path" and whether Pyongyang has prepared another option in case negotiations reach a deadlock. Some analysts believe that North Korea will increase its diplomatic efforts in 2019 and accelerate the denuclearization process on the peninsula. However, others argue that the country ultimately seeks to reduce severe tensions, be recognized as a nuclear power, and refrain from increasing its current capabilities. Trump had previously stated that he would like to meet with Kim early this year, but there has been no clarification from the White House regarding this meeting.