Moon, Trump likely to hold summit soon

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Moon Jae-in, the new president of Korea, to Washington for a summit to continue to strengthen the alliance between the two countries, Cheong Wa Dae said, Wednesday.

The two leaders had a 30-minute phone conversation as Trump called Moon to congratulate his election victory. Trump was the first head of a foreign country to have a phone talk with Moon after he was sworn in earlier in the day.

Stressing cooperation to prevent North Korea’s provocations such as nuclear and missile tests, Moon told Trump that the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance is the highest ever.

“The alliance has been the core of Korea’s diplomacy and security and it will continue to be,” he said. “I appreciate that you put the North Korea issue on top of your security agenda list.”

Trump congratulated Moon on his election victory. He then said the North’s nuclear issue is a tough task but it can be addressed, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

The U.S. president also said he would invite Moon to his country, saying they could celebrate both of their election victories. “Trump said Korea is a ‘not just good ally but great ally.’ He said he wants Moon to visit Washington soon and have a summit with him,” Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.

Moon then responded that he would send a delegation as soon as possible to discuss the summit. The new president also said he hopes Trump will come to Korea as well.

“They agreed they would have phone conversations again when needed even before they have a summit,” the presidential office said.

Source:koreatimes.co.kr