Earlier this week, South Korea officials met with North Korean leaders in a historic summit. After the meeting, South Korean leaders revealed that one of the most prominent issues discussed at the meeting was the United States engaging with Kim Jong Un in an attempt to decrease tension between the countries. The South Korean government has been strongly urging President Donald Trump to meet with North Korean leaders; Donald Trump responded positively to this tweeting, “I think that their statement and the statements coming out of South Korea and North Korea have been very positive, I think that they are sincere. …I hope they’re sincere. We’re going to soon find out.” Upon viewing the tweet, both U.S. and South Korean officials are increasingly optimistic that Trump’s meeting with the North Korean government will be productive and diplomatic. Although the president agreed to the meeting, he emphasized it would only occur if North Korea made steps towards denuclearization.

South Korean National Security Office Head, Chung Eui-yong, announced that the North Korean government is prepared to discuss denuclearization only if their security is guaranteed. The meeting is scheduled to take place by this May. Until the meeting, the United Stated will continue to uphold the maximum amount of sanctions.