Intelligence Agency Says Donald Trump And Kim Jong-un May Be Able To Reach An Agreement

JAKARTA - South Korea's intelligence agency on Monday said US President-elect Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could hold direct talks, adding the possibility of a 'small deal' over Pyongyang's nuclear program.

If the US realizes that North Korea's full denuclearization goal cannot be achieved in the short term, the US could proceed with smaller deals, such as arms control deals or weapons removal agreements with Pyongyang, the National Intelligence Agency (NIS) said.

Trump, who won the November election, outperformed Vice President Kamala Harris, will take an oath as president on January 20.

NIS shared the information with lawmakers during a closed parliamentary subcommittee meeting, according to lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun of the ruling People's Power Party, as well as Park Sun-won of the main opposition of the Korean Democratic Party, both of whom are leaders of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee.

"Trump has touted his talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as one of his main achievements from his first term of office, so there is a possibility to continue dialogue with Kim," NIS was quoted as saying by lawmakers.

The spy agency further said some of Trump's recent appointments showed the possibility of dialogue.

Trump appointed former Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, known for his pro-dialogous stance on North Korean issues, as his president's envoy for special missions.

Next, there is Alex Wong, who was involved in a working-level nuclear talks with North Korea during Trump's first term, appointed Trump's deputy national security adviser.

NIS said North Korea is expected to focus on securing military and economic benefits by sending more troops and weapons to support Russia's war in Ukraine.

The agency also said it was monitoring with careful signs of a possible visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Russia.

"Kim may visit Russia in the first half of this year," Park said.

Some analysts believe the visit coincided with the Defenders' Day of the Russian Homeland, which falls on February 23. The annual holiday honors the country's military forces.