SEOUL, South Korea: North Korea is planning to reopen nuclear negotiations with the United States if Donald Trump is re-elected as president, according to Ri Il Gyu, a senior North Korean diplomat who recently defected to South Korea.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Ri disclosed that North Korea is devising a new strategy, with a focus on lifting sanctions, removing its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and securing economic aid.
Ri’s defection from Cuba to South Korea made international headlines last month, marking him as the highest-ranking North Korean diplomat to defect since 2016. He revealed that North Korea’s top foreign policy priorities are currently Russia, the U.S., and Japan. Pyongyang aims to bolster relations with Russia while preparing for potential renewed negotiations with Trump, known for his unprecedented diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his previous term.
Ri criticized Kim for the failed 2019 summit with Trump in Vietnam, attributing the collapse to Kim’s reliance on inexperienced military commanders for nuclear diplomacy. This time, he stated, the foreign ministry would take charge of negotiations to ensure a more strategic approach.
Strengthening ties with Russia has provided North Korea with technological and economic support, reducing its dependency on the U.S. for sanctions relief. According to Ri, Russia’s involvement in illicit transactions has helped North Korea bypass U.S. sanctions, enhancing Pyongyang’s bargaining power.
In Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed a desire to meet Kim, despite the long-standing issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 80s. Ri indicated that Kim might be willing to address this issue in exchange for economic assistance, despite previously claiming it was resolved.
Ri’s defection was driven by personal grievances and systemic hardships. After being bullied by a colleague for refusing to pay bribes and denied medical treatment by Pyongyang, Ri’s resentment towards the regime culminated in his decision to flee. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated conditions in North Korea, leading to severe financial troubles and the closure of several diplomatic missions.
Ri, who had lived in Cuba and studied in Algeria, had long harbored dreams of defecting to South Korea. He also witnessed and opposed the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Cuba, viewing it as a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape.
Ri’s revelations highlight North Korea’s evolving diplomatic strategies and underscore the potential impact of future U.S. elections on international relations and security.
