Paris: President Lee Jae Myung announced Friday that he conveyed to U.S. President Donald Trump the importance of handling the North Korean nuclear issue differently during their recent interactions at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee shared insights from his discussion with Trump at a press briefing following his 10-day European trip, which concluded on Thursday. The two leaders engaged in multiple conversations throughout the summit, including a notable exchange during a dinner banquet on Tuesday.

Trump reportedly expressed regret over not taking timely action regarding North Korea's nuclear ambitions before the country effectively acquired nuclear weapons. Lee emphasized to Trump that the North Korean nuclear issue requires a distinct approach, different from those applied to other nations' nuclear challenges. Trump concurred with Lee's assessment, acknowledging his concern over the absence of an effective resolution.

Additionally, Lee disclosed that he extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit North Korea and the Demilitarized Zone, the buffer area separating the two Koreas, during a meeting with the pope at the Vatican on Monday. The pope responded positively, expressing his intention to actively consider the proposal.