The Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials, that Trump is pressing his advisers to arrange a meeting with Kim Jong Un as soon as possible during the coming autumn.
According to the newspaper, Trump discussed in private meetings the possibility of holding direct talks with the North Korean leader during his upcoming Asia trip, which could include his attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organization meeting in November.
In a move that could improve the odds of resuming communication with Pyongyang, South Korean media reported that joint military exercises between Washington and Seoul are expected to be reduced to approximately half.
The reports come after Trump ordered the U.S. Department of Defense on Sunday a "significant reduction" in U.S. participation in the annual manoeuvres, citing his "very good" relationship with Kim. U.S. forces in Korea did not comment on the reports and deferred inquiries to the Pentagon, while the South Korean Ministry of Defence did not issue an immediate comment.
The moves come at a time when Trump apparently is eager to reopen the direct communication channel with Kim, following the meetings they held during his first presidency.
