US thanks Vietnam for hosting the second summit
The US State Department's deputy spokesman said Vietnam is a "close friend" and the US-Vietnam relationship is a testament to the possibility of peace and prosperity.
US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino on February 7 praised Vietnam for providing more information about the meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un scheduled to take place later this month.
"Vietnam is a close friend and partner of the United States, and we thank the Vietnamese government for its generosity in hosting this second summit," Palladino said at a press conference at the State Department in Washington DC.
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| Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi Capital. Photo Sputnik/Taras Ivanov |
"The history of our two nations (the United States and Vietnam) reflects the possibility of peace and prosperity. We have put aside past conflicts and divisions to move forward with the prosperous partnership we enjoy today."
President Trump announced on February 5 that his second meeting with Kim Jong-un will take place in Vietnam on February 27-28. However, North Korea has yet to officially respond and the specific location has not been disclosed.
“We’re looking forward to a great summit,” Palladino said. “I’m not going to reveal the summit and the agenda for the event, but we’re very focused on organizing it.”
The spokesman also added that the US and North Korea are currently holding meetings to prepare for the conference, including discussions between US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his counterpart Kim Hyok Chol in Pyongyang.
Mr. Biegun has been in Pyongyang since February 6 to discuss the details of the meeting, including the choice of a city in Vietnam. The two sides are also expected to outline the main points of an agreement that could be adopted at the upcoming conference.
On February 6, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the leaders of the two countries to hold the second summit and strongly supported dialogue to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
"Vietnam strongly supports dialogue to maintain peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Vietnam is ready to actively contribute and coordinate with relevant parties to ensure the success of the second US-DPRK summit, contributing to the above-mentioned goal," said spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang.
President Trump: "I will meet Mr. Kim in Vietnam!". AP Photo / Susan Walsh
On February 8, South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Baik Tae Hyun said Seoul hopes the upcoming summit between Mr. Trump and Mr. Kim Jong Un will create concrete progress, paving the way for larger inter-Korean agreements in the future.
"We hope that the second summit between the US and North Korea will produce more concrete and significant progress," Baik said.
He also said South Korea is considering various options, including proposing high-level meetings, to move forward stalled inter-Korean talks.
Also on February 8, North Korea celebrated the 71st anniversary of its military, one of its biggest holidays, without a parade or any other show of force. In 2018, North Korea held a large-scale parade that showcased its military's weapons and equipment, according to Yonhap.