Seoul: The unification ministry on Monday emphasized the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering as an advantageous occasion for U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to hold discussions, labeling it a "good opportunity" for their potential meeting.

According to Yonhap News Agency, as President Trump began his Asia trip over the weekend, which includes attending the APEC meetings in South Korea on October 29-30, he referred to North Korea as "sort of a nuclear power" and expressed his openness to meeting with Kim. This statement has raised hopes for a meeting between the two leaders, which would be their first in over six years.

Koo Byoung-sam, spokesperson at the unification ministry, reiterated the significance of the APEC event as a conducive setting for a Trump-Kim meeting. During a press briefing, Koo responded to inquiries about the possibility of such a meeting, aligning with Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's previous encouragement for the leaders to seize the opportunity presented by the APEC event.

In a development that might indicate preparations for a potential meeting, North Korea has been observed engaging in maintenance activities such as cleaning and pruning at the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom. This location is historically significant as it was where Trump and Kim last met in 2019. Despite these observations, Koo noted that the activities appear to be part of routine operations.