Lee tells Trump N. Korea nuclear issue needs unique approach

By Park Boram

SEOUL, June 19 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung said Friday he told U.S. President Donald Trump that the North Korean nuclear issue should not be handled the same say as those of other countries during their recent conversation at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France.

Lee revealed details of his conversation with Trump at a press briefing on the results of his 10-day trip to Europe that ended Thursday. The two leaders spoke with each other on several occasions during the summit, including at a dinner banquet on Tuesday.

During the conversation, Trump expressed regret for failing to take appropriate action on the North Korean nuclear issue before the country effectively acquired nuclear weapons, Lee said.

In response, Lee said he clearly told Trump that the North Korean nuclear issue should not be handled the same way as those of other countries. Trump agreed with the point, Lee said, adding, "He (Trump) seemed to be concerned because of the lack of a proper solution."

The president also noted that he asked Pope Leo XIV to visit North Korea and the Demilitarized Zone, a buffer area between the two Koreas, when he met with the pope this week. Lee met with the pope Monday at the Vatican.

The pope responded that he would actively pursue the proposal, according to Lee.