North Korea 'front and center' in talks: Trump

US president said talks will address trade issues, including South Korea’s acquisition of American defense equipment

SEOUL: North Korea’s efforts to advance its nuclear arsenal will be “front and center” during talks with South Korean officials, US President Donald Trump said ahead of the bilateral meetings in Seoul on Tuesday.



In recent months, Trump has criticized South Korea President Moon Jae-in over his support for diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang – something the US president once called “appeasement” – and has threatened to pull out of a free trade pact between the two countries.



Trump said the talks would also address trade issues, including South Korea’s acquisition of American defense equipment.