Following Tensions, Possibility of 2nd US-North Korea Summit Arises

North Korea believes there is a “strong possibility” of a second summit between the country’s leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, according to an official with close knowledge of Pyongyang’s position on the matter.

The official pointed to a recent exchange of letters between Trump and Kim as a positive sign, adding that although the date and location of the summit have yet to be determined, it would take place “sometime later this year,” reported CNN.

The news came as doubts mounted over whether Trump’s historic summit with Kim in June would deliver its goal of denuclearizing the Korean peninsula.

At the weekend, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho called America’s actions since the June 12 Singapore summit “alarming”, highlighting economic sanctions and a lack of a Korean War peace treaty as major issues that could derail the nuclear talks.

The official said the latest North Korean statements were a “negotiating tactic to put pressure” on the Trump administration ahead of US midterm elections. North Korea hopes that Trump and Kim will negotiate denuclearization terms that are more favorable to Pyongyang, the official added.

Pyongyang is looking to Washington to make a “bold move” for the talks to continue, CNN reported last month.

South Korea’s presidential spokesperson Kim Eui-keum said on Monday the South is “asking North Korea to speed up its denuclearization” and asking the US to “show sincere efforts about corresponding measures that North Korea is demanding.”