Trump Favors Kim Jong-un Visit to Seoul

U.S. President Donald Trump supports a visit from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to South Korea, President Moon Jae-in said Sunday. Moon and Trump met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina.

Speaking to reporters aboard his plane en route to New Zealand, Moon said, "Although we cannot be certain, the issue is up to Chairman Kim."

Moon said, "We need to offer water-tight guarantees" for Kim's safety during any visit. "The public must understand any inconveniences that may arise like traffic jams."

Kim had been expected to visit Seoul in mid-December but the North asked for a delay citing internal affairs. The government here has been trying to rearrange the visit after discussing it with the U.S. 

Cheong Wa Dae said Moon and Trump met for about 30 minutes in Argentina on Friday and discussed Kim's visit to Seoul as well as sanctions against North Korea. The two leaders saw eye to eye "on the fact that Kim's visit to Seoul will add momentum to establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula," a spokesman said.

But at the moment Kim has little to gain since South Korea and the U.S. are unwilling to ease sanctions before North Korea scraps its nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, Trump said a second summit with Kim could take place in January or February. Trump said he is considering three different places for the meeting, but did not elaborate.