The Office of the President stated on the 25th (local time) that the issue of 'additional opening of the agricultural and livestock products market' was not raised at the first summit between President Lee Jae-myung and President Donald Trump. Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said at a briefing at the Press Center in Washington, D.C. after the Korea-U.S. small-scale meeting and luncheon, 'There was no mention of agricultural products.' Regarding the modernization of the alliance and the issue of U.S. forces in Korea, she noted, 'President Trump did not discuss specifics beyond mentioning that the U.S. and Korea have a very good relationship.'
President Trump reportedly inquired about the overall political situation in Korea, including the investigation related to former President Yoon Suk-yeol, during a private meeting with President Lee. Spokesperson Kang said, 'President Trump asked us about the situation related to the investigation of the former president after martial law, and President Lee explained, as he did in his public remarks, that 'the special prosecution is conducting various investigations.' President Trump expressed that he 'seemed to have heard rumors' and did not further discuss those rumors afterwards.'
However, specific issues such as the liberalization of the agricultural and livestock market, which had major differences between the two countries after last month's trade talks, shipbuilding cooperation projects, 'alliance modernization' demanded by the U.S., the reduction of U.S. troops in Korea, and the purchase of U.S. weapons, were not mentioned. Instead, President Trump primarily praised President Lee as a 'very smart person,' and in relation to North Korea policy, he stated, 'You (President Lee) are a warrior. You will receive full support from the U.S.,' according to Spokesperson Kang.
Spokesperson Kang said, 'It was not a place to mention specific figures or contents; it was an opportunity for the two to build trust and goodwill in a pleasant manner,' adding that President Trump merely reiterated his public remarks, such as saying 'I will receive help from Korea to develop the shipbuilding industry again.' Other issues were concluded with suggestions to discuss them well with Rutnik (Secretary of Commerce), and there were no further disagreements or additional discussions.'
Additionally, 'the agenda that needs further discussion was not mentioned at all at today's meeting,' she said, noting that 'instead of exchanging specific content or numbers, the conversation ended with the bilateral relationship continuing well within multilateral relations.' She concluded that 'the fact that the two leaders ended up feeling closeness and a chance to meet more frequently allows us to confidently evaluate it as a 'successful summit'.'
Regarding the 'alliance modernization,' which had differences of opinion between the two countries, 'the mood was so good that even this was not discussed,' stating, 'Initially, they clearly began with saying let's talk about trade negotiations, but such conversation vanished and the two leaders' personal stories, intimate stories, progressed,' she said.
◇ Lee 'Let's meet Kim Jong-un at APEC', Trump 'Wise suggestion'
President Lee extended an invitation to President Trump to the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit to be held in Gyeongju this October, suggesting, 'If possible, let's also pursue a meeting with Chairperson Kim Jong-un.' In response, President Trump referred to it as a 'very wise suggestion' and said, 'You are a warrior. You will receive full support from the U.S.' Speaking on issues related to North Korea, he mentioned that 'Korea will find a more remarkable future with you' and conveyed a message to President Lee that 'I am always with you.'
They also shared experiences of 'facing assassination threats.' President Lee talked about their 'similar backgrounds' and his past experience where he nearly lost his life in an attack. President Trump expressed empathy and shared his detailed experience of a similar attack, according to Spokesperson Kang. President Trump then led the members of our party to the gift room to choose items they liked such as hats, golf balls, golf pins, dress shirts, and cufflinks and provided his autograph. He noted, 'President Lee Jae-myung is the first leader to propose meeting Kim Jong-un,' adding, 'President Lee is really smart.'