hankyoreh

US President Donald Trump at the White House before departing for New Mexico on Sept. 16. (Reuters/Yonhap News)

When asked on Sept. 16 whether he was willing to visit North Korea, US President Donald Trump said the conditions aren’t ready yet, and won’t be for some time. Though Trump has taken a proactive stance toward dialogue, emphasizing his positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, these remarks suggest that a concrete agreement about denuclearization would have to be reached before such a visit can take place.

When asked by reporters at the White House whether he’s willing to go to North Korea, Trump said, “Probably not. [. . .] I don’t think we’re ready for that.”

“I would do it sometime at [. . .] a later future. And depending on what happens, I’m sure [Kim will] love coming to the United States also. But, no, I don’t think it’s ready for that. I think we have a ways to go yet,” Trump added.

When asked whether Kim had invited Trump to North Korea, Trump said, “The relationship is very good, but I don’t want to comment on it.”

Before Trump can visit Pyongyang or Kim visit the US, the two countries’ negotiations will have to achieve substantial results that can compensate for the corresponding risks. Trump’s hope of being reelected in November 2020 makes him cautious about the political blowback that would ensue if the two leaders made reciprocal visits without accomplishing anything.

Trump’s remark about not being ready can also be seen as implying that North Korea hasn’t changed its attitude enough to satisfy the US, placing indirect pressure on the North.

In related news, a spokesperson for the US State Department welcomed North Korea’s intention to resume negotiations in late September. The spokesperson was responding to a query by the Hankyoreh about a statement by the official in charge of US affairs at North Korea’s Foreign Ministry stating that working-level talks between the two countries will probably be held within a few weeks.

The US State Department spokesperson said that the US was prepared to discuss such matters at a mutually acceptable time and place but that there was no meeting to announce so far.

By Hwang Joon-bum, Washington correspondent

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