Presidential office expects N. Korea-US leaders' friendship to lead to dialogue

The presidential office in Seoul expressed on Monday its expectation that the friendship between the leaders of North Korea and the United States will pave the way for bilateral talks concerning peace on the Korean Peninsula. This sentiment followed President Donald Trump's reported directive to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.

The remarks were made in response to Trump's social media post on Sunday (U.S. time), where he announced that he had instructed the Pentagon to substantially decrease joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises. Trump argued that these exercises are not only costly but also send a totally inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea. This statement appears to be a conciliatory gesture towards North Korea.

The post coincided with the commencement of the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise between Seoul and Washington, slated to begin on Monday in South Korea. For years, North Korea has vehemently denounced these annual drills, considering them rehearsals for an invasion. The government in Seoul acknowledged President Trump's social media message, stating that they anticipate friendly relations between North Korean and U.S. leaders will lead to meaningful North Korea-U.S. talks.