Trump: If I Become President, I Will Talk to North Korea's Leader

Donald Trump, a potential Republican candidate in this year's U.S. presidential election, stated that if elected, he would engage in dialogue with North Korea's leader to end the country's nuclear program. In an interview on May 18, Mr. Trump did not provide details about a possible 'conversation' with Kim Jong-un but expressed his willingness to do so: 'I have no problem talking to him (Kim).' The New York billionaire also mentioned that he would exert more pressure on China to find a solution to this issue. Beijing is the closest political power to Pyongyang and is also considered North Korea's most important economic partner. North Korea, which possesses nuclear weapons and is under extensive international sanctions due to its nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches, has threatened South Korea and the United States with a 'preemptive nuclear strike.' Washington and North Korea do not have official diplomatic relations, with Sweden acting as North Korea's interest protector in Washington. Former U.S. President George W. Bush categorized North Korea alongside Iran and Iraq in the 'Axis of Evil.' Barack Obama, the U.S. President, proposed dialogue between the two countries' officials, contingent on North Korea's seriousness and cessation of its military nuclear program. However, Trump's remarks about direct dialogue with North Korea's leader have taken on a different tone. Reuters has compared Mr. Trump's statements regarding North Korea with Obama's policy of negotiating with Iran over Tehran's nuclear program and normalizing relations with Cuba. Negotiations with Tehran led to a nuclear agreement, while talks with Cuba resulted in the reopening of embassies and a return to diplomatic relations after five decades. CNN quoted a statement from Jake Sullivan, senior foreign policy advisor to Hillary Clinton, stating, 'The reality is this: while Donald Trump insults our closest ally, he turns around and says, 'I love talking to Kim Jong-un?' Sullivan's reference was to Trump's comments about David Cameron, the British Prime Minister. Trump had previously stated in an interview with ITV in the UK, following Cameron's criticism of the Republican candidate's remarks about Muslims, that he likely would not have a good relationship with him. Trump told Reuters, '(Cameron) has a lot of problems... but I'm sure we can have a good relationship.' He also discussed his potential relationship with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, in his interview with the news agency. Mr. Putin had previously praised Mr. Trump during the Republican campaign. Donald Trump stated, 'Just because he said nice things about me doesn't mean he'll help him in negotiations. Not at all.' After the withdrawal of his other Republican rivals, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, Donald Trump has effectively become the presumptive Republican nominee. However, the party has yet to hold its 'national convention' to finalize the election nominee. The 'Republican National Convention' will take place from July 18 to 21.