UN chief says Trump-Kim summit 'important milestone'
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General AntonioGuterrestoday welcomed the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader KimJongUn as "an important milestone" toward thedenuclearizationof the Korean peninsula,PTIhas reported.
Guterresurged all those concerned to "seize this momentous opportunity" and again offered UN help to achieve the goal of dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
The summit held in Singapore was "an important milestone in the advancement of sustainable peace and the complete and verifiabledenuclearizationon the Korean peninsula,"Guterressaid in a statement.
Trump depicts benefits of peace in video played for Kim at summit
Donald Trump today played a Hollywood-style video to Kim Jong-un, which depicted the North Korean leader and the US president as its leading men, showing the prospect of peace, PTI has reported.
The video made a dramatic pitch for the benefits of peace between the two Cold war-era rivals laying out the opportunities that could come with an agreement to eliminate North Korea's nuclear arsenal, a story about "two men, two leaders, one destiny."
Trump played the video in Korean to the North Korean leader and eight aides at their private bilateral meeting, The Straits Times reported.
When asked about the video montage played ahead of the press conference, Trump said: "We had it made... I hope you liked it. I thought it was interesting enough to show... and I showed it to him (Kim) today towards the end of the meeting and I think he loved it," the report said.
The film drew on the "in a world" and "one man, one choice" framing of Hollywood action movies.
South Korea hails Trump-Kim summit as 'talks of the century'
South Koreans erupted in applause today as Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un met for what local media billed as the "talks of the century", according to a PTI report.
As the historic first meeting between a sitting US president and North Korean leader began in Singapore, images of Trump and Kim exchanging handshakes and warm words drew jubilant reactions in Seoul and hopes for a new beginning with Pyongyang.
"We hope the summit will be a success and bring us a complete denuclearisation, peace and a new era" in relations between the two Koreas and the United States, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said.
European Union hails talks as 'crucial and necessary step'
The EU has praised the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a "crucial and necessary step", saying it indicated "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula could be achieved, according to a PTI report.
"This summit was a crucial and necessary step to build upon the positive developments achieved in inter-Korean relations and on the peninsula so far," the EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement.
Trump agreed to suspend ‘war games’ with South in return for denuclearisation commitment
Donald Trumphas agreed to suspend military exercises with ally South Korea in return for a commitment to denuclearisation from Kim Jong-un, according to a report by The Guardian. Trump added that the war games were expensive and “very provocative”.
IAEA head welcomes outcome of US-North Korea summit
The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog welcomed today the statement issued by US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the end of their summit in Singapore.
"I welcome today's Joint Statement of President Trump of the United States and Chairman Kim of the DPRK at the Singapore Summit which includes the DPRK's commitment towards complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said in a statement.
"The IAEA stands ready to undertake any verification activities in the DPRK that it may be requested to conduct by the countries concerned," the statement adds. (PTI)
80-year-old Singapore Supreme Court table used for summit
An 80-year-old teak wood table previously used by Singapore's Chief Justices played a part in today's historic summit, PTI has reported.
The two leaders and their delegations sat at the historic table during the delegation-level meeting at Capella Singapore hotel in Sentosa Island.
Later, Trump and Kim signed a joint statement at the 4.3 m-long table, designed in 1939 by local craftsmen for the Supreme Court. The table is on loan to the US Embassy for the summit, and is usually on display on the Chief Justice's chamber on the third floor of the Singapore National Gallery, The Straits Times reported.
US President Donald Trump has departed from Singapore, news organisations have reported.
South Korea’s Moon Jae-in calls summit “historic”
South Korean President Moon Jae-in has issued a statement calling the Trump-Kim summit as “historic”, according to The Guardian.
In a statement, Moon warns there may be “many difficulties ahead, but we will never go back to the past again”.
Moon says Kim will be “remembered as a leader who made a historic moment by taking the first bold step toward the world”.
“Building upon the agreement reached today, we will take a new path going forward. Leaving dark days of war and conflict behind, we will write a new chapter of peace and cooperation,” he added.
India welcomes Trump-Kim summit
India today welcomed the historic summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, calling it a positive development.
In its reaction, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) at the same time hoped that any resolution to the North Korean "peninsula issue" will address New Delhi's concerns about Pyongyang's proliferation linkages with India's neighbourhood, seen as an apparent reference to Pakistan.
India has been pressing for a probe into North Korea's proliferation linkages with India's neighbourhood, PTI has reported.
"India welcomes the United States-DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Summit held in Singapore. This is a positive development. India has always supported all efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy," the MEA said in a statement.
Trump and Kim signed a "very comprehensive" document after their summit in Singapore. After the talks, the US president said that the process of denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula will begin "very soon" and the North Korean leader promised to leave the past behind.
US President Donald Trump said he brought Kim to the table by showing him what the future could look like should he choose the path of peace: "Instead of [testing missiles] you could have the best hotels in the world right there. Think of it from a real estate perspective," he reportedly told the North Korean leader.
India welcomes US-North Korea summit held in Singapore
"India welcomes the United States - DPRK Summit held in Singapore. This is a positive development. India has always supported all efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy," says the Ministry of External Affairs
JUST IN:
"I think this meeting was good for United States as it was for North Korea. Only a person who hates Donald Trump would say that I have agreed to make a big commitment. Yes, it was a big commitment to meet Kim. But, it was good for us," says US President Donald Trump
I trust Kim Jong Un, says US President Trump
US President Donald Trump said he does indeed "trust" North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "I do," he said when asked by CNN's Jim Acosta if he trusts Kim. "I do. I think he wants to get it done."
Hope Korean War will finally end: Trump
US President Donald Trump said he hopes the Korean War will finally end, more than 70 years after it began. The leaders of North and South Korea pledged to bring a formal end to the Korean War at another summit in April, he tells reporters
JUST IN:
“Human Rights violations were also discussed, but not to the extent of denuclearisation. Kim Jong Un is a very smart negotiator. We agreed on some initial measures”: US President Donald Trump
LATEST:
Trump says verification of denuclearization was discussed with Kim and that a verification team will involve Americans and international officials.
JUST IN:
"Today is the beginning of an arduous process. Our eyes are wide open, but peace is always worth the effort, especially in this case," says US President Trump
JUST IN:
US President Donald Trump says North Korea's Kim Jong Un is committed to destroying missile engine test site. "We signed a very comprehensive document today and I think when he (Kim Jong Un) lands in North Korea he will start the process soon," he adds.
JUST IN:
"Kim Jong Un has the chance to cease a better future for his country. Anyone can make war but only the most courageous can make peace," says US President Trump
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"I want to thank Singapore for hosting the summit so successfully," Trump says
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US PresidentDonald Trump addresses press conference. He says, "It's an honourto address the world after a historic summit."
Full text of Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un's joint statement
Joint Statement of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit.
President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a first, historic summit in Singapore on June 12, 2018.
President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un conducted a comprehensive, in-depth, and sincere exchange of opinions on the issues related to the establishment of new US-DPRK relations and the building of a lasting and robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. President Trump committed to provide security guarantees to the DPRK, and Chairman Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Read full text here.
China says sanctions relief on North Korea could be considered
China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday saidsanctions relief could be considered for North Korea, after US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a "comprehensive" document aimed at denuclearisation.
Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comment at a daily news briefing in Beijing.
China hopes for US-North Korea peace deal
China hopes the United States and North Korea can reach agreement on a peace deal, the Chinese government’s top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, said on Tuesday, as the two countries leaders met in Singapore.
Speaking before US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a “comprehensive” document following a historic summit in Singapore, Wang said China welcomed their talks and supported them.“We hope that the two countries’ highest leaders can dispel interference, establish mutual trust, overcome difficulties and can reach a basic consensus on promoting and achieving the denuclearization of the peninsula and promoting and establishing a peace mechanism for the peninsula,” Wang told reporters.
Lasting peace has obvious benefits for China, especially in bolstering the development of its rust-belt and landlocked northeast which borders North Korea and would suffer in the even of conflict.
Beijing has key strategic interests when it comes to North Korea, and has long feared that a collapse of its isolated neighbor could push waves of refugees into northeastern China, or that nuclear war on the Korean peninsula could contaminate swathes of the country.
North Korea also serves as a valuable buffer state between China and US forces in South Korea.
Trump, Kim agree to work towards denuclearisation
President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have signed a joint document in which they commit to working "toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."
The document signed by the leaders at their historic summit Tuesday also says they will join efforts "to build a lasting and stable peace regime" on the Korean Peninsula.The White House has yet to release the document's text. But it was photographed by the news media during a signing ceremony.
The document lays out four broad commitments. It says the sides "commit to establish new US-DPRK relations in accordance with the desire of the peoples of the two countries for peace and prosperity."
And it says they will commit to recovering the remains of prisoners of war and those missing in action.
Kim has great personality, is a smart negotiator: US President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump is praising North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a "very worthy, very smart negotiator" on behalf of his people as the two leaders bid each other farewell after their historic summit.
Trump was asked by reporters in Singapore during his final appearance with Kim on Tuesday what surprised him most during their meetings. Trump said Kim has a "great personality" and is "very smart. Good combination." He also said he learned Kim is "a very talented man" and "loves his country very much."
He wrapped up the summit by saying the two had "a terrific day" and "learned a lot about each other and about our countries."
Trump added that he expected they'll meet again many times.
US President Donald Trump waves as North Korea leader Kim Jong Un leaves after their meetings at the Capella resort on Sentosa Island. Image courtesy: AP
Sensex, Nifty rise in line with broader Asia; Trump, Kim raise hopes
Indian shares rose on Tuesday, in line with broader Asia, after US President Donald Trump said a summit meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un had made "a lot of progress", leading to the joint signing of a landmark deal to end the nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula.
Asked by reporters how the historic talks were going, Trump said: "A lot of progress - really very positive. I think better than anybody could have expected. Top of the line, very good. We're going now for a signing."
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.16 percent.
"The market is consolidating ahead of events and we are seeing sectoral rotation," said Deepak Jasani, head of retail research at HDFC Securities.
Sentiment was a bit cautious before the release of May retail inflation data. Retail inflation is expected to have risen to a four-month high last month due to a surge in oil prices, a Reuters poll of economists showed. "The street has already discounted inflation at 4.8-4.9 percent. If the number comes in at 5 percent or above, then we will probably see some sell-off," Jasani added.
The broader NSE Nifty was up 0.40 percent at 10,829.80 as of 0610 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 0.44 percent higher at 35,640.66. Both indexes were on track for a second consecutive session of gains.
BREAKING:
Kim commits to 'complete denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula' in joint text, reports AFP.
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Trump-Kim document commits US to 'security guarantees', eyes establishment of 'new US-DPRK relations', reports AFP.
The world will see a major change: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at joint signing
President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have signed what Trump says is a "very important" and "pretty comprehensive" document.But Trump refused to tell reporters what the declaration says. The document is set to be handed out later.
As the leaders wrapped up their historic summit in Singapore, Trump saidhe and Kim "have developed a very special bond" during their day together. And he says, "Both sides are going to be impressed with the result."
Kim told reporters that "the world will see a major change," though it's unclear how.
The summit marked the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader.
US President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un sign documents that acknowledge the progress of the talks and pledge to keep momentum going, after their summit at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore. Image Courtesy: Reuters
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North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un declares that "the world will see a major change" and he and Trump "decided to leave the past behind" as they sign the document.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump says he 'absolutely' would invite Kim to the White House.
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US President Donald Trump says after summit with Kim Jong Un: "We have developed a very special bond. We've learnt a lot about each other. We've had a really great relationship."
He added, "A lot of goodwill has gone into this. Our relationship with North Korea will be different now."
BREAKING:
US President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un sign documents after Singapore summit. Trump says he will address press conference at 2.30 local time, where further details about the "comprehensive" document will be divulged.
US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walk after lunch at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island. Image courtesy: Reuters
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US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expected to sign an agreement at a summit in Singapore's Capella resort, Reuters reports
People celebrate as they watch TV showing US President Donald Trump's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a railway station in Seoul on Tuesday. Image courtesy: AP
Trump, Kim to sign unspecified document shortly
President Donald Trump says he and North Korea's Kim Jong Un will be signing a document shortly.
Trump declined to specify what exactly the leaders would be signing.Trump said after emerging from hours of talks with Kim on Tuesday in Singapore that "we're going right now for a signing."
Asked what he'd be signing, Trump said: "We're going to be announcing that in a couple of minutes." Trump also said the meeting was "going great" and that they had made "a lot of progress." He says he thinks it was "better than anybody could imagine."
US President Donald Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un walk from their lunch at the Capella resort on Sentosa Island Tuesday. Image courtesy: AP
JUST IN:
President Donald Trump shows North Korea's Kim Jong Un interior of presidential limousine as they stroll around the Sentosa resort after their working lunch in Singapore on Tuesday.
Working lunch concludes
US President Donald trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emerge from working lunch
Hope everybody is getting a good picture, so we look handsome and thin: Trump jokes with photographers during working lunch
President Donald Trump joked about his appearance as he prepared to sit down to lunch with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Trump said to photographers: "Getting a good picture, everybody? So we look nice and handsome and thin? Perfect."
A video feed provided by the summit host showed Trump, Kim and their aides taking their places at a long table.Trump took his spot in the middle of the table, and Kim opposite him. Trump was joined by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and a few other aides. The lunch menu includes beef short ribs, sweet and sour crispy pork and braised codfish.
Just hours after Kim Jong Un wrapped up a surprise evening sightseeing tour of Singapore on Monday, North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun crammed its front page with photographs snapped of the reclusive leader. The official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea featured 14 photographs, covering more than half of the front page of its Tuesday issue, showing Kim jovially walking with officials from the city-state at a tropical garden as well as beside an infinity pool.
The speed of the coverage in Rodong Sinmun and other state media is unusual in a country where events are often reported a full day, if not longer, after they happen. The sense of fun in the reporting is also a contrast with the more sober way in which the North Korean media would usually handle an official trip.
Meet Dr Yun-hyang Lee, Donald Trump's interpreter
The meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been in the talks for several months, and now with the two leaders finally meeting, it's only natural for the world to know what they discussed.
According to a number of reports, the normal set-up for a high-profile meeting such as this one is that both leaders would arrive with their own interpreters.
According to Will Ripley, CNN correspondent who has visited North Korea 19 times, the interpreter with President Trump is Dr Yun-hyang Lee, the division chief of interpreting services at the State Department.
The role of the interpreteris based massively on trust, and a Boston Globe report said 'interpreting for a president doesn't just mean repeating words in different languages; it also means reading the subtleties that both sides are expressing in their words and then accurately conveying those to the president.'
In Dr Yun-hyang Lee has her work cut out for her, primarily because of Trump's casual and informal way of addressing things. As a Time report said, "Korean is a language with strict rules regarding formality, especially in terms of how leaders are addressed, a challenge that is only compacted because of Trump's informal style of discourse and Kim's position as the "supreme leader" of a totalitarian country."
Trump, Kim begin working lunch at summit
President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have started a working lunch meeting in Singapore.
A video feed provided by the host of the summit showed Trump, Kim and their aides walking into a room and taking their places at a long table. Salad courses were prepositioned on the table along with flower bouquets.
Trump took his spot in the middle of the table, and Kim opposite him. Trump was joined by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and a few other aides.
Independent journalists covering Trump's summit were not allowed in to witness the start of the lunch in Singapore.
US President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un shake hands during an expanded bilateral meeting at the Capella Hotel on the resort island of Sentosa. With them are Senior North Korean Diplomat Ri Su Yong (top left) and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly (top right). (Image courtesy: Reuters)
South Korean President says he 'hardly slept' in anticipation of Trump-Kim summit
South Korean President Moon Jae-in says he "hardly slept" in anticipation of the United States-North Korea summit in Singapore.
Moon and other officials watched the live broadcast of the summit before a South Korean Cabinet meeting in his presidential office Tuesday. Moon smiled and nodded as he watched President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un meet.
Moon has met Kim twice in recent months and helped arrange the US-North Korean summit. Moon said he "ardently aspires" for the success of the summit and hopes it brings complete denuclearization and peace to the Korean Peninsula.
Fighting in the Korean War ended with an armistice in July 1953. That armistice has yet to be replaced with a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula in a technical state of war.
Many in the world will think of this as a scene from a science fiction movie: Kim Jong Un
After some initial exchanges lasting around 40 minutes, Trump and Kim emerged, walking side-by-side through the colonnaded hotel before re-entering the meeting room, where they were joined by their most senior officials.
Kim was heard telling Trump through a translator: “I think the entire world is watching this moment. Many people in the world will think of this as a scene from a fantasy…science fiction movie.”
Asked by a reporter how the meeting was going, Trump said: “Very good. Very, very good. Good relationship.”
Kim also sounded positive about the prospects. “We overcame all kinds of scepticism and speculations about this summit and I believe that this is good for the peace,” he said. “I believe this is a good prelude for peace.”
