Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un have greeted each other warmly at the Capella hotel in Singapore and signed what Trump called a “comprehensive” document. The US president said the talks with Kim have been “better than anybody could imagine”.
Kim said: “Today we have had a historic meeting, we decided to leave the past behind. The world will see a major change. I would like to express my gratitude to President Trump for making this meeting happen.”
Earlier, Trump and Kim met on the steps of the hotel on Sentosa island and shook hands in front of a display of US and North Korean flags. The handshake lasted about 12 seconds, but was relatively benign by Trump standards.
As they walked off together, Kim said to Trump through an interpreter: “Many people in the world will think of this as a form of fantasy from a science fiction movie.”
Sitting down together for a brief photo call before officials talks, Trump said it was an “honour” to be there with the North Korean leader.
Kim said the pair had overcome many “obstacles” to make it to the summit.
The pair then held a one-on-one talk, lasting about 40 minutes, before moving into expanded bilateral discussions.
After a working lunch, with their aides, Trump said the talks had been “fantastic” and “better than anyone could imagine.”
He said he Kim were on the way to “a signing”, though did not say what was to be signed. A US official later said it would be a joint statement on progress made at the talks.
The talks were the first time a sitting US president has met a leader of North Korea.
The leaders’ mutual friend Dennis Rodman appeared on TV during the summit in an emotional sideshow, saying: “It’s a great day. I’m here to see it. I’m so happy.”
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