"I do have a good relationship with Kim Jong-un, as you know, you've seen. He didn't like Biden. He didn't like Obama. He didn't like anybody, but he likes me. And I like, you know, I just got along with him very good. We had great meetings. We speak. And I think our nation and I think other nations, frankly, whether it's Japan or South Korea, they're a lot safer if I'm president than if somebody else is president," he said.

Trump also discussed South Korea after scaling back military exercises with the country.

"I was not happy when South Korea said, no, they're not interested in helping us with the Hormuz Strait," Trump continued. "And yet they get 60 percent of the oil from the Hormuz Strait. I said, would you like to help us? He said, 'No, thank you'. I said, 'That's nice. Please, thank you'. He made us a lot of money. I didn't like that. So I felt that to do a massive, we were doing a massive war exercise. I thought that was very insulting to somebody that, frankly, has been, during my term at least, very well behaved."

Trump said on Sunday that he would reduce military exercises with South Korea shortly before the latest drills were due to begin.

His decision followed a dispute over South Korea and other US allies not helping with Iran as much as Trump expected.

Yet, as the map above shows, a small group of countries remains outside this global circle. From communist giants to war-torn regions and ideologically rigid states, here’s a breakdown of why some nations still have no diplomatic ties with the Holy See.

Countries without diplomatic relations with the Holy See

Highlighted in red on the map, these countries currently have no formal diplomatic engagement with the Vatican:

Why do these countries stand apart?

1. China

China’s relationship with the Vatican is one of the most complex. Although there has been a provisional agreement since 2018 on the appointment of bishops, full diplomatic relations have not been restored since the Holy See recognised the government in Taiwan. The Chinese Communist Party maintains tight control over religion, making diplomacy difficult.

2. North Korea

With strict isolationist policies and no freedom of religion, North Korea has never established ties with the Holy See. There are no official Catholic churches, and any underground religious activity is met with severe punishment.

3. Vietnam

Vietnam and the Vatican have improved ties in recent years, with a resident papal representative now allowed, but no formal diplomatic status exists yet. Talks are ongoing, and observers expect a breakthrough shortly.

4. Saudi Arabia and Oman

Both nations are Islamic monarchies with no formal churches and strict bans on public Christian worship. Religious freedom is limited, making official ties with the Holy See nearly impossible under current laws.

5. Afghanistan

Ongoing conflict, the resurgence of the Taliban, and a strict interpretation of Islamic law leave no room for a formal Catholic presence or diplomatic recognition of the Holy See.

6. Somalia and Comoros

Both nations have weak governance and fragile internal conditions , especially Somalia, which faces instability and terrorism. Religious minorities, including Christians, are often persecuted.

The Holy See's global role

The Holy See isn’t just a religious authority—it’s a sovereign entity under international law , actively participating in:

Its diplomatic influence is seen as a moral and ethical counterbalance in global affairs, particularly on issues like migration, conflict resolution, poverty, and climate change .