North Korea May Become Main Topic at Possible Trump-Putin Meeting - White House

The leaders of Russia and the United States may hold talks on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit that will take place in Vietnam next week, according to the Kremlin.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — A White House spokesperson said on Sunday that the North Korean crisis will be a "primary subject — or topic" when President Putin will meet his US counterpart.

"Russia borders North Korea. They are also very concerned, I think, with the direction that North Korea is leading the region toward — into this crisis. And, naturally, Russia should have a role in that future," the spokesperson said.

The spokesman noted that as a member of the UN Russia is obliged to uphold UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea, including "two significant increases in sanctions that were passed in 15-0 votes" earlier this year.

Also on Sunday, President Trump who was on board Air Force One heading to Tokyo, said he was expecting to hold a conversation with Vladimir Putin during his ongoing Asian trip. He said he hopes the Russian leader will help Washington resolve the North Korean issue.

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The news about the meeting between the two presidents has been circulating in media for a week. The Kremlin spokesman informed on Saturday that the possible meeting between the two politicians was being coordinated.

Donald Trump is currently in Japan that is one of the stops of his 12-day visit to Asia. He will also pay official visits to China, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.