North Korea aims to reopen nuclear talks with the United States if Donald Trump is re-elected, according to Ri Il Gyu, a senior North Korean diplomat who recently defected to South Korea. In his first international interview, Ri revealed that North Korea has prioritized its foreign policy towards Russia, the U.S., and Japan for the coming years.
Ri’s defection from Cuba made headlines last month, marking him as the highest-ranking North Korean diplomat to defect to the South since 2016. He disclosed that North Korean diplomats are formulating a new strategy to engage with the U.S., particularly if Trump wins the November election. The goal is to lift sanctions on its weapons programs, remove the state sponsor of terrorism designation, and secure economic aid.
Despite recent aggressive statements from North Korea dismissing dialogue with the U.S., Ri’s comments suggest a potential shift. The collapse of the 2019 summit between Kim Jong Un and Trump in Vietnam, partly due to sanctions, led to a reevaluation of diplomatic strategies within North Korea.
Strengthening Ties with Russia and Japan
North Korea is enhancing its relationship with Russia, benefiting from assistance in missile technology and economic support, which also serves to counteract U.S. sanctions. Ri mentioned that Japan, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, is also on North Korea’s radar. Kim Jong Un might seek economic aid from Japan in exchange for concessions on the long-standing issue of Japanese nationals abducted in the 1970s and 80s.
Defection and Resentment
Ri’s journey to defection was fueled by personal grievances and systemic hardships within North Korea. He faced bullying from colleagues and was denied medical treatment, which catalyzed his decision to flee. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated conditions, cutting communication lines and forcing North Korea to close several diplomatic missions.
LifeBahn Perspective
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