(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his forthcoming visit to South Korea, provided Kim is interested in holding discussions.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while en route from Malaysia to Japan as part of his Asia tour, Trump expressed his willingness, stating, "I'd love to meet with him if he'd like to meet, I got along great with Kim Jong Un. If he wants to meet, I'll be in South Korea."

When asked whether he would extend his stay to meet Kim, Trump replied, "I haven't thought of it, but I think the answer would be, yeah."

His comments suggest flexibility in adjusting his itinerary to accommodate a potential meeting with the North Korean leader.

Previously, Trump referred to North Korea as a "sort of nuclear power" and voiced openness to dialogue with Kim.

He reiterated his position by stating, "If he'd like to meet, I'm open to it." This comes after North Korea's stance, which asserts that a meeting could be possible if the United States acknowledges its nuclear capabilities, which Kim claims are "irreversible."

The two leaders last convened in 2019 in the demilitarized zone that separates North and South Korea.

Following that summit, the diplomatic relationship between the two nations has been in a delicate state, with occasional statements signaling both hope and tension.

Trump's upcoming trip to South Korea includes a meeting with President Lee Jae Myung, followed by remarks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO luncheon.

Additionally, Trump is scheduled to attend a US-APEC leaders working dinner. On Thursday, he will engage in a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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