Trump, Kim urged to use APEC summit as chance for talks: unification minister

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young on Friday called on U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to meet during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, describing it as a "heaven-sent opportunity" to end the Korean War, which has lasted for 72 years, and to advance peace in the region. Speaking at a press briefing at Government Complex Seoul, Chung said the APEC gathering offers a realistic and timely setting for a breakthrough meeting. "If the two leaders let this moment pass, organizing another summit later would be far more difficult given scheduling and negotiation constraints," he said. Chung noted what he described as "signs of readiness" on both sides. He mentioned the United Nations Command decision to suspend tours at the Joint Security Area and reported on clean-up activities around Panmungak Pavilion — the main building on the North Korean side of Panmunjeom, also known as Phanmun Pavilion — including landscaping and maintenance work that had not been carried out for over a year. The minister acknowledged logistical obstacles, but saidWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times