US, S. Korea to 'discontinue' major military exercise: US official

WASHINGTON, March 2 (AFP) - The US military and South Korea are planning to “discontinue” annual largescale military exercises as President Donald Trump pursues efforts to improve ties with North Korea, a US official told AFP Friday.

The comment from the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, came shortly after the conclusion of Trump's second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, which ended without a formal agree- ment but with both sides suggesting they will keep talking.

In South Korea, a government official suggested the drills would be downgraded rather than scrapped entirely.

The two sides are still discussing the wording of a joint statement that is expected to be released in the coming days, the official added.

Foal Eagle is the biggest of the regular joint exercises held by the allies, and has always infuriated Pyongyang, which condemned it as preparations for invasion.

N Korean leader Kim Jong Un (L) and US President Donald Trump (R) walk together at the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel in Hanoi. The US and N Korea put forward starkly different accounts over the breakdown of a high-stakes summit. (Photo by KCNA via KNS/ AFP)