Trump and South Korean President Lee discuss submarines and North Korea dialogue at UN summit
U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to talk about nuclear submarines, uranium rights and operational control of troops.
During a brief summit in New York, President Donald Trump and President Lee Jae Myung exchanged views on several security issues affecting the Korean Peninsula. Topics included South Korea's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines, its request for rights to enrich uranium and reprocess nuclear waste, and the planned handover of wartime operational control of Korean troops from the United States to Seoul. Wi Sung-lac, South Korea's National Security Adviser, reported that both leaders welcomed advances in bilateral strategic projects.
Trump also reaffirmed his commitment to maintain dialogue with North Korea. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring its diplomatic significance.
Why it matters
The talks shape regional security and future U.S.-South Korea defense cooperation.
How this story developed
- Sep 16 Kim Yo-jong declares North Korea's nuclear status irrevocable amid IAEA conference
- Sep 18 President Lee Jae Myung said South Korea and the United States are engaged in heated negotiations and consultations to align a Seoul-led investment initiative in America with both nations' interests.
- Sep 19 South Korean and European officials pressed for compliance with UN resolutions at the same conference.
- Sep 20 North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile into the East Sea, prompting reports from Japan and South Korea, while the UN nuclear watchdog's resolution was rejected.
- Sep 20 A second projectile was identified as an unidentified type rather than a short‑range ballistic missile.
- Sep 21 South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in New York for a trilateral discussion on economic and security issues.
- Sep 22 North Korean state media did not report the missile launches.
- Sep 22 The ministers released a joint statement reaffirming denuclearisation commitment and defence guarantees.
- Sep 23 South Korea has now selected the Encinal plant as the inaugural U.S. investment project.
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