Trump-Kim Meeting Chances Fade Before Year-End

Chances for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before the end of this year have diminished, according to Reuters citing American and South Korean sources.

The agency reported on Friday that five informed sources said Washington had not received a response from Pyongyang regarding arranging the meeting, while time is running out before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, on November 18 and 19.

The leaders were expected to meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit or during a regional forum in the Philippines. South Korean intelligence estimated the probability of such a meeting at 50 percent in late September.

However, Trump expressed doubts on Monday about the possibility of meeting with Kim during his Asian tour, saying: "My relationship with him is very good, but I am not sure anyone is asking for a meeting."

In contrast, a White House official confirmed in remarks cited by Reuters on Friday that US policy toward North Korea has not changed, and that Trump remains open to dialogue with Kim without preconditions, noting there are currently no scheduled meetings to announce.

South Korea's ambassador to Washington, Kang Kyung-wha, stated on October 12 that no tangible progress had been made toward a new summit, clarifying that Seoul and Washington hold daily consultations on this issue, but it is difficult to quantify the chances of success.

According to Reuters, Pyongyang's positions indicate readiness to negotiate under strict terms that may include easing economic sanctions imposed on it.

In this context, Jenny Town, a researcher at the Stimson Center, said North Korea refuses to include its nuclear disarmament on the negotiation agenda, arguing that resuming dialogue depends on Washington's willingness to change its policy toward Pyongyang.

Trump and Kim held three meetings during Trump's first presidential term in 2018 and 2019, without reaching a final agreement on North Korea's nuclear program.