President Trump says he is still hoping to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un when he visits the fortified strip dividing the two Koreas shortly.
He told a banquet in South Korea he was still “trying to work out” a meeting at the demilitarised zone (DMZ).
He invited Mr Kim in an apparently spontaneous tweet from the G20 summit in Japan on Saturday.
North Korea described the offer as interesting, but has not said whether Mr Kim will take it up.
Mr Trump is in South Korea to discuss the flagging North Korea denuclearisation talks and trade.
He will visit the DMZ with his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in.
A meeting with Mr Kim would be a symbolic encounter, typifying Mr Trump’s unusual style of diplomacy.
So far, two summits – in Singapore and Vietnam – have failed to bridge differences over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
A third meeting between the pair at the DMZ, commentators say, would have long-lasting resonance but minimal impact on the progress of denuclearisation talks.
Mr Trump has not confirmed Mr Kim will be there, only saying he expects a “really interesting” visit to the DMZ.
North Korea described the offer as a “very interesting suggestion”, but stressed it had not received an official request.
Mr Trump is expected to arrive at the DMZ at 2.30pm local time (06.30 GMT), according to the White House.
Source: BBC
