Seoul, 21 June (H.S.):

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has said he told US President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit that North Korea's nuclear issue cannot be resolved in the same manner as other international crises.

North Korea's nuclear programme emerged as a key topic during the talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit held in Évian-les-Bains, France.

According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, speaking at a press conference after returning from his 10-day visit to Europe, President Lee said that President Trump expressed regret that the issue had not been resolved before North Korea succeeded in developing nuclear weapons. In response, Lee stressed that the situation on the Korean Peninsula differs significantly from that in regions such as the Middle East and therefore requires a distinct strategy.

President Lee proposed a phased approach to addressing the issue. Under the plan, North Korea would first halt the production of nuclear materials, followed by measures such as transferring its existing nuclear materials out of the country. He said that while complete denuclearisation should remain the long-term objective, immediate attention should be given to practical and short-term measures.

According to President Lee, President Trump described the proposal as a possible option and said he would consider it. Lee also noted that the US President appeared concerned that a lasting solution to the North Korean nuclear issue had yet to be achieved.

The South Korean President reiterated that his government would continue efforts to restore dialogue with North Korea, although tensions between the two countries are likely to persist for an extended period. He said North Korea considers the United States crucial to its security, and that Seoul would support efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang.

During his visit, President Lee also met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. He invited the Pontiff to attend next year's World Youth Day event in South Korea and requested that he visit North Korea as well as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas.

According to Lee, the Pope assured him that he would give the proposal serious consideration. The President said the Pontiff has a keen interest in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and supporting reconciliation efforts between the two Koreas.

President Lee also revealed that during their conversation, Pope Leo XIV remarked in a light-hearted manner that he uses a Samsung smartwatch and mobile phone, as well as a Hyundai vehicle.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar