US, North Korea discussing third summit, South Korea says

The U.S. and North Korea are in talks concerning the possibility of a third summit between President Trump and Kim Jong Un, according to South Korea’s president.

Multiple news outlets reported that South Korea’s Moon Jae-In said on Wednesday that he is optimistic about the discussions that had taken place so far.

{mosads}“Both sides have been engaged in dialogue in regard to a third summit,” Moon said, according to Reuters and The Associated Press.

“It’s noteworthy that the behind-the-scenes talks have been preceded by the mutual understanding of each other’s position gained through the Hanoi summit.”

The second between the two leaders ended in uncertainty earlier this year after the two sides failed to reach a further agreement on the prospect of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has demanded relief from U.S. sanctions before more action is taken.

Moon on Wednesday reportedly pointed to the contributions of China and Russia, two of the U.S.’s adversaries in the region, in bringing the two countries together.

“China and Russia have continued to play constructive roles so far to peacefully resolve the Korean Peninsula issue,” he said. “I hope that China and Russia will play specific parts in helping the North resume dialogue at an early stage.”