In their first phone conversation since North Korea's launch of short-range projectiles this past weekend, leaders of South Korea and the U.S. discussed ways to bring the North back to the negotiating table.
Presidents Moon Jae-in and Donald Trump saw eye-to-eye on the need to prevent North Korea from veering off the track of dialogue for denuclearization and Mr. Trump said he supported South Korea's humanitarian aid for the North to help alleviate its food shortages,
Also examined, the Blue House says... the possibility of Mr. Trump's visit to Seoul this month or next.
Shin Semin with the latest.
Speaking over the phone for the first time in nearly a month and in the wake of the North's recent projectile launches,... Presidents Moon Jae-in and Donald Trump discussed ways to resume talks on scrapping North Korea's nuclear program, while maintaining the current momentum for dialogue.
South Korea's presidential spokesperson said in a statement that the leaders also talked about ways to prevent Pyeongyang running off the tracks in regards to the denuclearization negotiations.
Seoul's top office added the leaders agreed that their "proper response" following North Korea's unexpected projectile launch last weekend was extremely effective.
In particular, President Moon said he appreciated Trump's tweet that came after the military activity,... saying it played a crucial role in keeping North Korea and the denuclearization process moving in the right direction.
President Trump tweeted that he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong-un realizes his country's "great economic potential" and that he "will do nothing to interfere or end it."
The White House said the two leaders discussed recent developments regarding North Korea and how to achieve the regime's final, fully verified denuclearization -- though it did not provide additional information on the call.
The leaders also talked about the recent UN report that depicted a grim image of North Korea and its food shortages.
The Blue House spokesperson said President Trump assessed Seoul's provision of humanitarian food aid to North Korea as very timely and a positive step, adding that Trump said he supported the move.
President Trump's stance is consistent from a month ago when he said he had no issue with such humanitarian support.
"I'm okay with that, to be honest. I think you have to be okay with that. And South Korea is doing certain things to help out with food and various other things for North Korea."
Both leaders also agreed to work toward having President Trump visit Seoul in the coming months,... especially with the U.S. leader making two separate trips to Japan in May and June.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News.