Ankara: President Donald Trump announced on Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has responded to his request for a conversation. This statement was made in response to a reporter's suggestion that Pyongyang had not replied to Trump's outreach.

According to Anadolu Agency, when asked by a reporter why Kim had not responded, Trump retorted, "How do you know?" Upon further pressing, he confirmed, "Um, yeah, yes." Trump emphasized his relationship with the North Korean leader by stating, "Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect and we met on numerous occasions, actually, two primary occasions, spoken and spent time. I understand him. He understands me."

Trump's remarks came shortly after he directed the Pentagon to significantly reduce planned joint military exercises with South Korea, citing both their cost and his rapport with Kim Jong Un. The president also mentioned a recent conversation with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung concerning a collaborative effort to "denuclearize Iran," which was met with a refusal from Seoul.

Furthermore, Trump voiced criticism towards South Korea for its unwillingness to assist the US in its stance against Iran. He questioned the rationale behind the US continuing to spend billions to defend its long-time ally, stating, "What do you mean? We have 39,000 soldiers over there guarding you from Kim Jong Un, your next-door neighbor, and you're not going to help us on a very easy military operation in Iran? That's strange."

Trump also scrutinized the financial burden of the US military presence in South Korea, concluding with, "Then why are we involved with helping you?" His comments reflect ongoing tensions and considerations regarding defense spending and international alliances.