Our top story this morning...
President Moon Jae-in has revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump told him he's willing to listen to the North Korean leader's wishes... if it helps the denuclearization process.
This comes after the two leaders met over the weekend on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Argentina.
Our presidential correspondent Shin Se-min tells us more. A message from Trump to Kim.
President Moon Jae-in says he's carrying a message from U.S. President Donald Trump to Kim Jong-un,… should the North Korean leader make a reciprocal visit to Seoul by the end of the year.
"President Trump wanted me to give the message to Chairman Kim if his planned visit to Seoul happens by the end of the year. President Trump wants to push ahead with the denuclearization process and is willing to help the North Korean leader get whatever he wants in return for complete denuclearization."
President Moon explained that Trump's remarks don't necessarily mean concessions or sanctions relief.
Instead he said it could be things like the scaling down of South Korea-U.S. joint military drills or non-political exchanges like sports and cultural events.
The South Korean leader added that, through his "pull aside" with President Trump in Argentina, he felt a certain burden lifted of his shoulders.
"There had been concerns Kim's reciprocal visit to Seoul before a summit or high-level talks between the North and the U.S. could strain the relationship, but I can assure you, such concerns have disappeared after my meeting with President Trump."
President Moon said whether or not Kim Jong-un comes to Seoul completely depends on him,… and they'll have to wait and see what happens.
But if it goes ahead,… the South Korean leader said it would be a truly historic moment.
"If Chairman Kim comes to Seoul, that itself would send a comprehensive message to the world on the chance for peace, the regime's willingness to denuclearize and its desire to improve relations with the South."
"With President Moon back in the seat as the lead mediator,... the question now is how THAT message from President Trump will provide momentum to the stalled denuclearization talks? and what the reaction from the North will be.
We should know the answer in the coming weeks as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s next international appearance doesn’t appear far away.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News, Auckland."
