Trump and Kim's first handshake in Hanoi
This evening, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong-un had their first meeting within the framework of the 2nd US-North Korea Summit. Here, the two leaders shook hands, took photos together and had a quick exchange before holding a private meeting.
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US President and North Korean President. Photo: Reuters. |
Responding to questions from several international reporters, US President Donald Trump said he expected the Summit to be "very successful".
Meanwhile, Chairman Kim Jong-un said: "We were able to overcome everything and today we are here."
In response, President Trump said: "It's an honor to be here with Chairman Kim. It's an honor to meet in Hanoi."
"It's great to be here with the President. We had a successful first summit. Some people wanted it to go faster, but I'm happy with the way we're doing it."
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US President (left) shakes hands and talks with North Korean President. Photo:AFP. |
Also in a brief conversation before the private meeting, President Trump told Chairman Kim Jong-un: "I think your country has tremendous economic potential. I think you will bring a brilliant future to your country. You are a great leader. We will help make that happen."
President Trump also said that he and Chairman Kim Jong-un have a very good relationship.
For his part, Chairman Kim Jong-un said that North Korea and the US had overcome "many obstacles" to be able to hold the summits, and he believed that the conference would bring positive results.
After this brief meeting, the two leaders will hold a private meeting and have dinner with a number of other officials.
According to White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, this will be a dinner with a limited number of attendees.
US side:
- President Donald Trump
- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
- Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney
- Interpreter Lee Yun-hyang
North Korea:
- Chairman Kim Jong-un
- Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea Kim Yong-chol
- Foreign Minister Ri Young-ho
- Interpreter Sin Hye Yong
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The US and North Korean leaders chat before having dinner together. Photo:AFP. |
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President Trump (left) and Chairman Kim chat before having dinner with advisors. Photo:AFP. |
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Observers expect the US and North Korean leaders at this summit to discuss practical measures to implement the goals of denuclearization and ensuring lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.