Japan offers to host second U.S.-North Korea summit: report

A South Korean newspaper reported Wednesday that Japan has conveyed to the United States its readiness to host a second U.S.-North Korea summit being arranged by Washington and Pyongyang.

The Kyunghyang Shinmun, without quoting a source, said North Korea has reacted positively to the offer, adding that Japan appears to be considering a “resort” other than Tokyo for the location of such a summit.

But in Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga denied the report.

U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un hold talks in Singapore on June 12. Photo: Reuters.
U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un hold talks in Singapore on June 12. Photo: Reuters. 

As for Japan’s motive for hosting the planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the daily said Japan is likely seeking to avoid being kept from being involved in intensifying dialogue regarding the Korean Peninsula.

The report also alluded to speculation that if Japan hosted the summit, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would also hold talks with Kim and could possibly reach some kind of agreement on the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago.

Abe, who is eager to resolve the long-standing abduction issue, is exploring summit talks with Kim as the North Korean leader moves to build closer ties with the leaders of South Korea, China and the United States.

On Tuesday, Trump said he is considering three or four possible locations for the second Trump-Kim summit, while saying he wants to hold it after U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 6.

The U.S. and North Korean leaders held their first summit in June in Singapore, where Kim pledged to work toward “complete” denuclearization of the peninsula.

Kyodo

Other News

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation: official

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation: official

Van affirmed Vietnam’s support for the UNESCO80 reform roadmap, focusing on the organisation’s core mandate, priority areas, interdisciplinary approach, and the special status of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, and UNESCO representative offices, alongside efforts to diversify resources and strengthen global partnerships to enhance the organisation’s effectiveness.

Regional media highlight significant step in Vietnam’s leadership structure

Regional media highlight significant step in Vietnam’s leadership structure

Under General Secretary and President Lam’s leadership, Vietnam is expected to maintain a balanced foreign policy, strengthen its regional standing and accelerate economic development, thereby improving living standards and creating new opportunities for international investors, according to the India-based platform Devdiscourse.

Laos identifies 10 key tasks to build independent, self-reliant economy

Laos identifies 10 key tasks to build independent, self-reliant economy

Laos will step up agricultural production to ensure food security, meet domestic demand and expand exports; encourage the development of agro-processing industries, including those related to rubber, aquatic products, cassava and sugarcane, as well as fertiliser and animal feed production, in order to increase added value and create jobs in rural areas.

Malaysia steps up cyber security resilience

Malaysia steps up cyber security resilience

To ensure accountability, Malaysia plans to finalise the Cybercrime Bill this year which addresses both cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled offences, introducing stricter penalties and prison terms to enhance deterrence.

US public opinion positive about PM Pham Minh Chinh’s visit

US public opinion positive about PM Pham Minh Chinh’s visit

Public opinion in the US is generally positive about Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s trip to the US from September 17-23 to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which took place immediately after the upgrading of the Vietnam - US relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership on the occasion of US President Joe Biden’s official visit to Vietnam.