US President Donald Trump may endorse South Korea’s new “END” initiative aimed at promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, a leading US expert suggested. The initiative focuses on “exchange,” “normalization,” and “denuclearization” to resume dialogue with North Korea.
Victor Cha, a prominent US foreign policy analyst, said Trump would likely support the initiative as part of a broader effort to bring North Korea back to the negotiation table. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung unveiled the initiative at the UN General Assembly last month, emphasizing his administration’s goal of reducing tensions and improving inter-Korean relations.
Trump has previously expressed openness to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and may continue his personal diplomacy during his upcoming visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on October 31 and November 1. Cha noted that preparations along the North Korean border suggest a possible meeting could take place.
The expert also highlighted ongoing discussions between Seoul and Washington over South Korea’s $350 billion investment pledge under a bilateral trade deal. While unresolved issues could affect the tone of the Trump-Lee summit, both sides are expected to maintain a positive diplomatic front.
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