For the first time in history a North Korean leader and a US President have agreed to meet face to face.
The shock development took diplomats by surprise, including the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Only yesterday US diplomats had ruled out talks between the two countries unless North Korea de-escalates its nucelar program.
South Korean officials visiting Donald Trump at the White House passed on the offer from Kim Jong Un, telling the Presdent of the United States that the North Korean leader was “committed to denuclearisation”.
South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in said the news “came like a miracle”. He added: “if President Trump and Chairman Kim meet following an inter-Korean summit, complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula will be put on the right track in earnest.”
South Korean National Security Adviser Chung Eui-Yong spoke at the White House about President Donald Trump’s agreement to meet with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un:
The two leaders are set to meet before May and the North Korean leader has promised to freeze nuclear tests in the meantime.
“Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached. Meeting being planned!” tweeted Donald Trump last night.
Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached. Meeting being planned!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2018
Meanwhile the US launched its hefty steel and aluminium tarrifs despite 100 Congress men writing to the President warning that this would precipitate a trade war and global economic disaster.
The UK will be hit hard. 15% of its steel exports go the US.
MORE:
Global trade war looms as President Trump signs off hefty steel and alluminium tariffs
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