According to Yonhap News Agency, the Blue House of South Korea confirmed that the Korea-U.S. summit originally scheduled to be held in Canada on June 16 local time was canceled as U.S. President Donald Trump ended his itinerary early and returned home.
On June 16 local time, Cheong Wa Dae National Security Office Director Seo Seung-ryong held a press conference in Canada, stating that due to Trump's sudden decision to return home on the same day, the Korea-U.S. summit originally planned for the 17th could not take place. This might be related to the issue of military conflicts in the Middle East. The U.S. side has requested the understanding of the South Korean side regarding this situation.
A relevant person from the South Korean president's office said that the U.S. side had made an advance request for forgiveness, so it did not constitute a diplomatic impropriety. The U.S. side's decision was also very urgent. When South Korea heard about Trump's early return, President Lee Jae-myung was attending a reception for invitees of the G7 Summit locally. After receiving contact from the U.S. side, they immediately informed Lee Jae-myung. The U.S.-Australia summit meeting originally scheduled for the 17th was also canceled, and Lee Jae-myung communicated with the Australian leader on this matter.
The Blue House stated that they will seek new opportunities as soon as possible to hold the Korea-U.S. summit. Both sides are currently communicating through diplomatic channels. Regarding the question of whether the two leaders will meet during the NATO summit to be held in The Hague, Netherlands from the 24th to the 25th, the Blue House responded that if Lee Jae-myung attends the summit, there may be a meeting.
Regarding the possibility of another phone call between the Korea-U.S. leaders, the Blue House said that there is currently no such plan. The two leaders had just talked not long ago, and since Trump returned home "lightning fast" during the summit, the situation must have been extremely urgent.
Reportedly, although the Korea-U.S. summit plan fell through, the Korea-Japan summit meeting schedule has been finalized. The Blue House introduced that the new government's diplomatic tone is based on a solid Korea-U.S. alliance, forward-looking Korea-Japan cooperation, and Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation. Despite unresolved historical issues between the two countries, South Korea and Japan need to look towards the future and cooperate hand-in-hand. Although there may be differences of opinion during the Korea-Japan summit on the 17th, South Korea will strive to create a constructive and positive dialogue atmosphere.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516822277737169447/
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