Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un began their second summit in Hanoi on Wednesday, with the US president calling his North Korean counterpart “a great leader” and offering economic assistance if he agrees to disarm. The two leaders shook hands in front of a dozen US and North Korean flags at the Metropole hotel, a setting reminiscent of their first meeting in Singapore eight months ago.
In remarks to the press, Trump addressed criticism that the first summit had not lived up to his claim of a breakthrough leading to North Korea’s denuclearisation. “It is an honour to be with Chairman Kim,” he said. “We had a very good first summit … Some people would like it to go quicker, but I’m satisfied.” He added that the biggest progress had been their personal relationship, which he described as “really a good one”.
Trump continued his approach of flattering Kim and highlighting North Korea’s economic potential. “I think your country has tremendous economic potential – unbelievable, unlimited,” he said. “You will have a tremendous future with your country – a great leader. I look forward to watching it happen and helping it to happen.”
Kim returned the compliment, saying he “truly believes this successful summit is because of [the] courageous decision by Trump [to meet]”. He acknowledged that some misunderstandings and past hostilities had arisen since their last meeting but said they had overcome them. “A lot of patience is needed,” he added.
After a few minutes of private conversation, the two leaders sat down to dinner at a small round table with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, North Korean Vice-Chairman Kim Yong-chol and Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho. Trump said the main summit talks would take place on Thursday and predicted a press conference afterwards.
