Trump: I Will Meet with North Korean Leader in the Coming Weeks

On Wednesday, April 17, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, stated that he will meet with Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, in the coming weeks to discuss nuclear disarmament on the Korean Peninsula. Speaking at a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump expressed hope that the meeting would be a great success. He confirmed that Mike Pompeo, the head of the CIA, had a secret meeting with Kim Jong Un. Trump added that if he believes the meeting would be useless, he would leave the session and continue with current actions. The meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un would mark a significant change in relations between the two countries, which have maintained hostile relations since the end of the Korean War in 1953. During this time, North Korea has repeatedly threatened military action not only against the U.S. but also against Japan and South Korea. Nevertheless, Trump emphasized that they would not repeat the mistakes of past administrations and that their campaign for maximum pressure on North Korea would continue until nuclear disarmament is achieved. He stated that North Korea would have a bright future if it disarmed. Since taking office, Trump has imposed severe sanctions on North Korea and has even succeeded in pressuring China to exert more pressure on North Korea. In his press conference, Trump praised the cooperation of the Chinese President regarding the intensification of pressure on North Korea.