Trump Has Not Planned To Meet Kim Jong-un During A Visit To Asia

JAKARTA - United States President Donald Trump has not planned to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his official visit to Asia next week, although the possibility remains open, a senior US official said Friday.

"Obviously, everything can change," said the official, who declined to be named, responding to a question about the possibility of Trump-Kim meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas next week.

He emphasized that Trump remains open to returning to communication with Kim, although his relationship is often filled with tensions.

"The president has expressed his willingness to meet Kim Jong-un in the future, but the meeting is not included in this travel schedule," he said.

Trump is scheduled to make a two-day visit to South Korea on Wednesday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC) in Gyeongju on October 31, November 1.

The trip to South Korea is part of the Asia Trump tour which also includes visits to Malaysia and Japan.

Speculations emerged that Trump could continue his personal diplomacy with Kim during the visit following a White House statement that the president remains open to dialogue without preconditions.

Media reports add to the allegations, citing North Korean authorities starting to clear areas on the Panmunjom side, an action that is usually a sign of preparation for important events.

The visit program to Panmunjom was suspended during the APEC Summit. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's administration supports Trump's efforts to continue dialogue with Kim as part of a push to lower tensions and encourage peace on the Korean Peninsula.