Trump-Kim summit could boost peace on Korean Peninsula: Seoul official

SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry has expressed optimism about a prospective summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, anticipating that such a meeting could foster peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. A ministry official stated that if the summit materializes, it would mark a significant step towards inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation.

This position aligns with the ministry's consistent stance on any potential summit between North Korea and the United States. The comments follow Trump's assertion on Monday that Kim has responded positively to his invitation for dialogue, just days after the president ordered a substantial reduction in South Korea-U.S. military exercises, deemed a conciliatory move toward Pyongyang.

When questioned about his conversation with Kim, Trump described it as "very positive" without divulging further specifics. In terms of facilitating potential dialogue, the ministry official emphasized Seoul's readiness to take the lead and highlighted various avenues for this role, such as through a peace envoy. The ministry intends to collaborate closely with pertinent government bodies to further refine the pacemaker plan.