The summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is important to bring peace to the Korean peninsula. Moon Jae-in, the president of South Korea, had taken the initiative to arrange for the summit in Singapore on 12 June. However, due to subsequent developments, Trump pulled out and conveyed his decision to Kim who is now sending a senior official to resolve the issue, CNN reported.
Sky News reports that Kim Yong Chol, a top North Korean official, will be arriving in New York in a bid to revive the summit. This has been confirmed by South Korean media because his name was among the list of passengers on a flight from Beijing. CNN also reported his arrival at the Beijing airport.
Peace has to return
Donald Trump seems satisfied with the way things are shaping up, although CNN points out time is limited. He also appears happy that Kim Jong-un has sent his most senior official to handle sensitive issues.
Kim Yong Chol is the former military intelligence chief and vice-chairman of North Korea.
He is also a very senior Pyongyang official to travel to the US. He also coordinated the North Korean president's two meetings with Mr. Pompeo in April and May.
Kim Yong Chol will be arriving in response to the letter Trump had written to the North Korean leader indicating his decision to withdraw from the summit. However, the clouds appear to have receded and the White House has confirmed that preparations are on for the 12 June summit. Incidentally, a visit of Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the White House is planned on June 7 prior to the summit.
Trump is hopeful for the outcome of the summit. In a tweet before canceling the summit, he indicated he expected North Korea could be an economic success.
The summit must deliver
North Korea is tied down by global sanctions because of its determination to pursue with its nuclear programs in spite of international condemnation. There were fears of a possible nuclear war and the proposed summit is expected to reduce tensions.
CNN adds Kim Yong Chol and Kim Yo Jong, have been two of the most visible and important players in Pyongyang's push for the rapprochement with South Korea and the United States this year. The latter is Kim Jong-un's sister who was present at the Winter Olympics. The recent developments reveal that Washington and Pyongyang have direct lines of communication which is a positive sign.
The world is waiting to see Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un at the Singapore summit and wants to see a deal that will put an end to nuclear weapons in the Korean peninsula. Such a deal will help the revival of North Korea. It will also add a feather to the cap of Trump because he would have succeeded where others have failed.