From Switzerland,... to Mongolia,... to the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom and
even the North Korean capital Pyongyang.
There have been various spots around the world that were considered as plausible locations
for the first-ever summit between North Korea and the United States.
Oh Jung-hee sheds light on why Singapore was chosen over the other options.
Out of several candidate locations, it's finally down to one: Singapore.
What makes Singapore a favorable location for both Pyongyang and Washington is that
the Southeast Asian country is diplomatically neutral.
It has good relations with North Korea and the U.S., and both countries have embassies
there.
Before international sanctions took full effect early last year,...
Singapore had been at the center of North Korea's overseas economic activities.
But at the same time, it is also home to a U.S. naval base,... where American ships and
aircraft make regular visits... and several are stationed.
Singapore is also close enough to North Korea for the regime's planes to make a non-stop
flight.
And the country is well-practiced in hosting international events,... with the Asia Security
Summit Shangri-La Dialogue taking place every year.
The U.S. actually preferred Singamore more than North Korea did, due to Singapore's security
and infrastructure...
as well as the political burden that would follow if the summit were held at Panmunjom
or Pyongyang.
And as North Korea has close relations with Singapore,... it seems that Pyongyang chose
not to drag on with a tug-of-war over the summit location but jump into the real business
of the talks.
Singapore's foreign ministry welcomed the decision, saying the country is pleased to
host the summit talks between President Trump and North Korea's Kim.
It added the country hopes the summit serves to (quote)"advance prospects for peace" on
the Korean Peninsula.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.