The first meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae In and his US counterpart Donald Trump was, by most accounts, a successful one, with both leaders embarking on a full-on charm offensive to build trust and reaffirm the Seoul-Washington alliance..
The first meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae In and his US counterpart Donald Trump was, by most accounts, a successful one, with both leaders embarking on a full-on charm offensive to build trust and reaffirm the Seoul-Washington alliance.
Fears of possible friction were dispelled by wide smiles and firm handshakes between the two men, who met at the White House last week. While there were no major breakthroughs, they did agree on various issues, including security, trade and future partnerships.
Most notably, they put up a united front on how to deal with the North Korea issue, agreeing to seek a «phased, comprehensive approach» using both sanctions and dialogue to end the belligerent North’s nuclear programme.
They also reaffirmed the United States-South Korea alliance, with Mr Moon saying at a press conference on Friday that they were «walking the same path towards a great alliance» — to which Mr Trump added: «Our personal relationship with President Moon… is very, very good.»
Analysts said the liberal-minded Mr Moon, elected in May after 10 years of conservative rule, managed to send a clear message that he is not a replica of the last liberal president Roh Moo Hyun, who pursued a North-friendly «Sunshine Policy» at the expense of US ties. Mr Moon, born to North Korean parents who fled to the South during the Korean War, was a key aide to Mr Roh during the latter’s 2003-2008 term.
Dr Bong Young Shik of Yonsei University’s Institute for North Korean Studies said: «Dispelling the image of (himself as) a leader who is dangerously close to and sympathetic to North Korea was a huge achievement for (Mr Moon) .
NORTH KOREA
South Korea President Moon Jae In and US President Donald Trump put up an united front against the missile and nuclear threat posed by North Korea .
