Wi Sung-lac of the Office of National Security said on the 29th that, regarding Korean Peninsula issues discussed at the South Korea–U.S. summit, President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to continue dividing roles as peacemaker and pacemaker. He projected that the possibility of a U.S.–North Korea summit during Trump's visit to Korea is low.

Wi Sung-lac, director of the Office of National Security, and Kim Yong-bum, director of policy, brief on the U.S.-Korea summit at the APEC media center in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, on the 29th. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

Deputy Minister Wi said this in a briefing in the afternoon at the international media center in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang.

He said, "President Lee Jae-myung explained the intent to denuclearize by easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and reducing provocations."

In response, President Trump expressed concern, saying, "The security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia is under great threat due to North Korea's nuclear development," and said, "To address the North Korean nuclear issue, it is necessary to enhance the South Korea–U.S. alliance's deterrence."

Regarding U.S.–North Korea relations, President Trump said, "I am maintaining a good relationship with Kim Jong-un," and added, "If Kim Jong-un wants, I am ready at any time to actively engage in dialogue for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

Deputy Minister Wi said, "We should see the likelihood of a U.S.–North Korea leaders' meeting during this visit to Korea as low," but added, "Since President Trump has the intent to meet with Kim Jong-un, I think the two sides will continue to seek leaders' meetings going forward."

Deputy Minister Wi also explained, "President Trump, while appreciating President Lee's efforts, confirmed that he will play the necessary role to realize peace on the Korean Peninsula based on the 2018 Singapore agreement, and that he will consult closely with President Lee in the process."

The summit also included discussions on South Korea–U.S. defense industry cooperation. Deputy Minister Wi said, "President Trump highly evaluated Korea's manufacturing capabilities, including ship and submarine construction, and expressed high expectations, saying that defense industry cooperation with Korea is important for strengthening the United States' defense capabilities," and added, "Regarding shipbuilding cooperation, including the CEO Summit, President Trump repeatedly said that Korea's excellent shipbuilding technology will contribute to U.S. modernization and capability enhancement."

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