Trump calls on North Korea to ‘make a deal’

President Trump during a Tuesday news conference in South Korea called on North Korea to “make a deal” on its nuclear program, arguing it would be in Pyongyang’s best interest.

“We have many things happening that we hope, we hope — in fact, I’ll go a step further, we hope to God we never have to use,” Trump told a reporter who asked about diplomatic talks with North Korea.

{mosads}”With that being said, I really believe that it makes sense for North Korea to come to the table and to make a deal that’s good for the people of North Korea and the people of the world. I do see certain movement, yes. But let’s see what happens.”

Trump last month dismissed the prospect of negotiations with Pyongyang, writing on Twitter that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was “wasting his time trying to negotiate with Little Rocket Man,” a reference to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump has also previously threatened to destroy North Korea, which has conducted multiple missile tests this year, including two intercontinental ballistic missile tests in July.

Trump on Tuesday spoke at a press conference with South Korean President Moon Jae-in during his five-nation tour of Asia.

Moon said during the conference that it is “essential” to “enhance [South] Korea’s defense capabilities and also the combined defense posture of Korea and the United States.”

–This report was updated at 7:35 a.m.