WASHINGTON – In a visible sign of detente between the United States and North Korea, the director of Central Intelligence Agency, Mike Pompeo held a secret meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un, last week.
According to a report by Washington Post, the clandestine meeting took place over the Easter weekend, with two sources in direct knowledge of trip, confirming the landmark interaction.
The trip took place on April 1, according to the US publication, shortly after Mr Pompeo was nominated by Mr Trump to replace Rex Tillerson as secretary of state, though the White House has declined to comment on the development.
What gives credence to the secret meeting is Donald Trump’s comment on Tuesday when he expressed that the US was engaged in direct talks at “extremely high levels” with Pyongyang.
The tycoon-turned-president explained that five locations were being considered for his much-anticipated meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Moreover, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders clarified Trump’s comments, saying “the president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly”.
When asked about Pompeo, Sanders said: “The administration does not comment on the CIA director’s travel.”
Besides the Pompeo-Kim meeting, US President Donald Trump said he would give his blessing to North and South Korea to “discuss the end of the war” when the leaders of those countries meet this month.
The secret meeting of the secretary of state-designate and North Korean leader is a harbinger of cementing of ties between long-term rivals, Washington and Pyongyang, however, the interaction of Trump with Kim in next few months would clarify whether the countries would remain on a collision course or change their hardline overtures.
