Trump expected to visit Korea for APEC but likely to skip leaders' summit: FM Cho

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun responds to questions during a parliamentary audit session at the National Assembly in southern Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum but not likely to attend the leaders' summit, Seoul's top diplomat said Monday.

Cho made the remarks during a parliamentary audit of the foreign ministry as Seoul and Washington are reportedly in talks to coordinate a two-day visit by Trump from Oct. 29-30 in the run-up to the APEC summit for Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

When asked about whether Trump will visit Korea, Cho replied, "Yes," adding that he sees a "high possibility" for Trump not to attend the APEC summit.

Trump is widely expected to attend the APEC CEO Summit set for Oct 29-31 and other events without taking part in the APEC leaders' summit.

Asked whether Trump will sit down for a summit with President Lee Jae Myung, Cho responded positively, dismissing the possibility of a pull-aside meeting between them.

"The location (for the Korea-U.S. summit) is likely to be in Gyeongju," the top diplomat said.

He also said Lee's possible talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump's potential meeting with Xi are all likely to be held in Gyeongju as well.