In a recent summit held on Monday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung lauded former U.S. President Donald Trump, attributing to him the role of a peacemaker. Lee’s remarks highlighted a desire to expand cooperation between the two nations in the areas of shipbuilding and other manufacturing sectors.

President Lee underscored Trump’s first term as a period of relative stability in the Asian region, pointing out that North Korea had accelerated its nuclear program during Trump’s absence from office. Lee went so far as to assert that Trump was the only one capable of making progress with North Korea, jestingly suggesting a supportive role for himself as “the pacemaker” to Trump’s “peacemaker”.

Trump welcomed Lee to the White House and said renewed talks with North Korea could usher in “a new era of peace” on the Korean Peninsula, post the administration of former President Joe Biden.

Related: South Korea’s President Lee Meets Trump to Discuss Troop Costs and China Relations

The President indicated that his personal diplomacy with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, had been instrumental in maintaining calm in the region. He further suggested that Kim was exhibiting signs of willingness to resume direct talks.

This raises important questions about the future of U.S.- North Korea relations and the potential impact on regional stability. Reports indicate that the international community will be closely monitoring any further developments in this regard.