Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis echoed sentiments made by President Trump Friday and told reporters he is “very optimistic” that U.S. and North Korean officials will soon meet back at the negotiating table in regards to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
“We have got some, possibly some good news on the Korea summit, where it may, if our diplomats can pull it off, may have it back on even,” Mattis said at the Pentagon, according to the pool.
On Thursday, Trump canceled his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but he hinted Friday morning that the summit could still take place in the future or even on the originally scheduled date of June 12.
Mattis characterized these rapid developments as the “usual give and take” associated with “trying to put together big summits and stuff.”
“The diplomats are still at work on the summit, possibility of a summit, so that is very good news,” he added.
“I am optimistic that the diplomats are working, our diplomats are working very hard to make this happen.”
When asked if the United States would restart military exercises in the region, Mattis said the military is not “changing anything right now, it is steady as she goes.”
“The diplomats are in the lead and in charge, and we give them our best wishes to have a fruitful way forward.”
