WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump stated Wednesday (Aug 19) he would meet North Korean chief Kim Jong Un later this yr, in what can be their first encounter of Trump’s second time period.
Trump additionally stated that North Korea had 57 “very highly effective” nuclear weapons, in a uncommon and unusually particular evaluation by a US president of Kim’s atomic arsenal.
“Yeah, I will probably be,” Trump advised reporters throughout a tour of a brand new helipad he’s constructing on the White Home, when requested if he deliberate to satisfy Kim later in 2026.
Trump gave no particulars, however the Wall Road Journal reported that he was eying a gathering when he travels to China for an Asia-Pacific Financial Cooperation (APEC) summit in November.
Trump defended planning to satisfy Kim similtaneously the US president wages a battle with Iran that he has justified on the grounds of stopping Tehran from getting the bomb.
“He has 57 very highly effective nuclear weapons. Ought to have by no means allowed it to occur … If I have been president, I would not have allowed it,” Trump stated, referring to the North Korean chief.
“However he is acquired them. I get together with him very nicely. I can not let Iran have a nuclear weapon. And I do know Kim Jong Un very nicely, and he will be tremendous.”
Trump’s announcement comes two days after he ordered the US to scale back “inappropriate and hostile” military drills with South Korea.
The US chief cited his “good relationship” with Kim within the choice.
