Donald Trump, Kim Jong-un Hold One-on-One Meeting at Singapore Summit, Vow to Resolve All Disputes
No word so far has been given on whether Pyongyang has agreed to Washington's condition of "complete, irreversible de-nuclearisation" in lieu of being relieved of sanctions.
Singapore, June 12: US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un began their historic summit in Singapore with a one-to-one meeting in a closed room. Following the 48-minute discussion, the two heads of state vowed to resolve all pending disputes.
While addressing the press, Trump said he is firm on developing a "terrific relationship" with Jong-un. "We will resolve all disputes. We will solve a big problem and a big dilemma," he predicted. (Read what is on the menu as a host of delegates throng in Singapore.)
Jong-un, who accompanied Trump at the press conference, said it was "not easy" for Pyongyang to come to the negotiation table. "There was a past that grabbed our ankles and wrong prejudices and practices that at times covered our eyes and ears. We overcame all that and we are here now," the North Korean dictator added.
Jong-un further claimed that his meeting with Trump is an unprecedented event, "which hardly anyone would have thought of".
"Many people in the world will think of this as a form of fantasy... from a science fiction movie," Jong-un said.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in delayed his Cabinet meeting on Tuesday to stay tuned with the updates emerging from Singapore.
"I too spent a sleepless night. I, along with all our people, sincerely hope that it will be a successful summit that will open a new era of complete denuclearization, peace and a new relationship between South Korea, North Korea and the United States," Moon Jae-in said.
The summit in North Korea is currently underway with various rounds of delegation-level talks to be held throughout the day. While the one-on-one meeting between the two leaders have concluded, Trump and Jong-un will be part of at least one more bilateral meet scheduled later in the day.
No word so far has been given on whether Pyongyang has agreed to Washington's condition of "complete, irreversible de-nuclearisation" in lieu of being relieved of sanctions.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 12, 2018 09:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).