Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will hold separate meetings with US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ahead of the historic summit due on June 12, reports said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Loong will be meeting Kim on June 10 and then meet Trump on the next day (June 11), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quoted saying in reports.&nbsp;

Both leaders are expected to arrive in Singapore on Sunday for the summit. As per reports, Trump will be staying at the Shangri-La Hotel, while Kim will be residing at The St Regis. &nbsp;

Trump, who was in Canada for the G-7 summit, tweeted at 4.58am (Singapore time) that he is on his way here, where "we have a chance to achieve a truly wonderful result for North Korea and the world".

He added: "I look forward to meeting him and have a feeling that this one-time opportunity will not be wasted!"

The US president also said he would know “within minutes” if Kim was serious about giving up his nuclear weapons.

Trump said he was looking forward to meeting Kim and added that the summit would be good for both the world peace and dictatorship.

"I am on my way to Singapore where we have a chance to achieve a truly wonderful result for North Korea and the World. It will certainly be an exciting day and I know that Kim Jong-un will work very hard to do something that has rarely been done before... Create peace and great prosperity for his land. I look forward to meeting him and have a feeling that this one-time opportunity will not be wasted!," Trump tweeted.

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…Create peace and great prosperity for his land. I look forward to meeting him and have a feeling that this one-time opportunity will not be wasted!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1005554692133249026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Saturday, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who had just returned from a lightning visit to Pyongyang, was also asked about the cost of hosting the summit. While he did not have specific figures, he confirmed that Singapore was extending hospitality to the North Koreans – as it would for any state visit – but they would have to foot some of their own costs.

Loong will be meeting Kim on June 10 and then meet Trump on the next day (June 11), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quoted saying the reports

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will hold separate meetings with US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ahead of the historic summit due on June 12, reports said on Saturday. Loong will be meeting Kim on June 10 and then meet Trump on the next day (June 11), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quoted saying in reports. Both leaders are expected to arrive in Singapore on Sunday for the summit. As per reports, Trump will be staying at the Shangri-La Hotel, while Kim will be residing at The St Regis. Trump, who was in Canada for the G-7 summit, tweeted at 4.58am (Singapore time) that he is on his way here, where "we have a chance to achieve a truly wonderful result for North Korea and the world". He added: "I look forward to meeting him and have a feeling that this one-time opportunity will not be wasted!" The US president also said he would know “within minutes” if Kim was serious about giving up his nuclear weapons. Trump said he was looking forward to meeting Kim and added that the summit would be good for both the world peace and dictatorship. "I am on my way to Singapore where we have a chance to achieve a truly wonderful result for North Korea and the World. It will certainly be an exciting day and I know that Kim Jong-un will work very hard to do something that has rarely been done before... Create peace and great prosperity for his land. I look forward to meeting him and have a feeling that this one-time opportunity will not be wasted!," Trump tweeted. …Create peace and great prosperity for his land. I look forward to meeting him and have a feeling that this one-time opportunity will not be wasted! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018 × On Saturday, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who had just returned from a lightning visit to Pyongyang, was also asked about the cost of hosting the summit. While he did not have specific figures, he confirmed that Singapore was extending hospitality to the North Koreans – as it would for any state visit – but they would have to foot some of their own costs.

Singapore PM to have separate meetings with Kim Jong-Un, Donald Trump

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468">Government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468"> of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468">private</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468"> sector</a>

"Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-singapore-ahead-of-unprecedented-us-north-korea-summit-143496">Trump arrives in Singapore for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-singapore-ahead-of-unprecedented-us-north-korea-summit-143496">summit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-singapore-ahead-of-unprecedented-us-north-korea-summit-143496"> with North Korea's Kim Jong-Un</a>

US President Donald Trump arrived in Singapore on Sunday ahead of a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the future of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">Shouldn't make </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">mountain</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463"> out of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">molehill</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">: Tejashwi Yadav on brother's allegation he is being sidelined</a>

A day after Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party, Leader of Opposition and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday downplayed the controversy and said that his brother spoke about how to unify and strengthen ''our party ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election)''.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/-india-refuses-to-endorse-chinese-president-xi-jinpings-obor-at-qingdao-declaration--143467">SCO Summit: India only member country to not endorse China's OBOR project</a>

India on Sunday declined to endorse Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pet One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project as part of a joint declaration at the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, the only member in the eight-nation bloc to do so, according to reports.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-ban-bangladesh-beat-india-to-lift-their-maiden-womens-asia-cup-trophy-143459">Bangladesh beat India to lift maiden Women's Asia Cup trophy</a>

Bangladesh outplayed India and defeated the women's in blue in the finals of Women's Asia Cup T20 to clinch the trophy on Sunday at the Kinrara Academy Oval.

&nbsp

Government of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from private sector "Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said. Trump arrives in Singapore for summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-Un US President Donald Trump arrived in Singapore on Sunday ahead of a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the future of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal. Shouldn't make mountain out of molehill: Tejashwi Yadav on brother's allegation he is being sidelined A day after Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party, Leader of Opposition and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday downplayed the controversy and said that his brother spoke about how to unify and strengthen ''our party ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election)''. SCO Summit: India only member country to not endorse China's OBOR project India on Sunday declined to endorse Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pet One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project as part of a joint declaration at the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, the only member in the eight-nation bloc to do so, according to reports. Bangladesh beat India to lift maiden Women's Asia Cup trophy Bangladesh outplayed India and defeated the women's in blue in the finals of Women's Asia Cup T20 to clinch the trophy on Sunday at the Kinrara Academy Oval.

News brief: Big stories of the day

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un landed in Singapore on Sunday ahead of a summit with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump that could end a nuclear stand-off between the old foes and transform the secretive, impoverished Asian country.

When Trump and Kim meet on the resort island of Sentosa on Tuesday they will be making history even before they start.

Enemies since the 1950-53 Korean War, the leaders of North Korea and the United States have never met previously - or even spoken on the phone.

Kim arrived at Singapore's Changi Airport after his longest trip overseas as head of state wearing his trademark dark Maoist suit and distinctive high cut hairstyle.

He was greeted by Singapore's foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, who posted a picture on Twitter of him shaking hands with Kim and the message: "Welcomed Chairman Kim Jong Un, who has just arrived in Singapore."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un meets the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong ahead of meeting with US President Donald Trump on June 12. (Source: Reuters) <a href="https://t.co/rUuHCXmFRT">pic.twitter.com/rUuHCXmFRT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005767512103895040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A convoy of vehicles that included a stretch Mercedes Benz limousine, identical to vehicles the North's leader had previously used, came into central Singapore under heavy security.

The US&nbsp;delegation, en route from the G7 meeting in Canada, will arrive Sunday evening, and Trump is set to meet with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday.

Trump is scheduled to arrive at Singapore's Paya Lebar Airbase at 8:35 pm&nbsp;on Sunday and go to the Shangri-La Hotel, according to the White House.

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I am on my way to Singapore where we have a chance to achieve a truly wonderful result for North Korea and the World. It will certainly be an exciting day and I know that Kim Jong-un will work very hard to do something that has rarely been done before...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1005554687678922752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Officials onboard Air Force One include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.

High stakes diplomacy for Kim and Trump

At stake at the summit are North Korea's nuclear weapons and peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea spent decades developing nuclear weapons, culminating in the test of a thermonuclear device in 2017. It also successfully tested missiles that had enough range to reach the US&nbsp;mainland.

The tests came amid a campaign of "maximum pressure," led by the United States, that tightened economic sanctions against North Korea and raised the possibility of military action.

In a New Year's address, Kim said his country had completed development of its nuclear programme and would focus on economic development, suggesting a meeting with South Korea.

After a flurry of contacts between the two Koreas, South Korean officials suggested to Trump in March that Kim would be willing to meet face-to-face.

The summit comes after weeks of sometimes-contentious discussions and was briefly cancelled amid North Korean outrage over messaging from some US advisers.

Many remain sceptical Kim will ever completely abandon his nuclear programmes. They believe his latest engagement is aimed at getting the United States to ease crippling economic sanctions that have squeezed the impoverished country.

For Trump, a successful summit will see him achieve badly needed recognition on the international stage ahead of congressional elections in November.

Believed to be 34, Kim is one of the youngest heads of state in the world and looks an unlikely candidate to be making history of the kind that has eluded his father and grandfather, both past leaders of North Korea.

But since taking power in 2011 after his father's death, the youthful Kim has displayed a mixture of ruthlessness, pragmatism and statecraft to get this prize: to sit across the table with the leader of the United States and be treated as an equal.

The two countries were on the brink of war last year, with their leaders trading insults and threats, until Kim made a dramatic offer in March to meet Trump and discuss nuclear disarmament, which the American president quickly accepted.

Kim's journey from international pariah to being regarded as a responsible head of state has taken just a few months.

The two leaders meet at 9 am&nbsp;(0100 GMT) on Tuesday at the Capella on Sentosa island, a refurbished British Army artillery mess that is now one of Singapore's most expensive luxury hotels.

Enemies since the 1950-53 Korean War, a United States President and a North Korean leader have never met previously — or even spoken on the phone

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un landed in Singapore on Sunday ahead of a summit with US President Donald Trump that could end a nuclear stand-off between the old foes and transform the secretive, impoverished Asian country. When Trump and Kim meet on the resort island of Sentosa on Tuesday they will be making history even before they start. Enemies since the 1950-53 Korean War, the leaders of North Korea and the United States have never met previously - or even spoken on the phone. Kim arrived at Singapore's Changi Airport after his longest trip overseas as head of state wearing his trademark dark Maoist suit and distinctive high cut hairstyle. He was greeted by Singapore's foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, who posted a picture on Twitter of him shaking hands with Kim and the message: "Welcomed Chairman Kim Jong Un, who has just arrived in Singapore." #WATCH: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un meets the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong ahead of meeting with US President Donald Trump on June 12. (Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/rUuHCXmFRT — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 × A convoy of vehicles that included a stretch Mercedes Benz limousine, identical to vehicles the North's leader had previously used, came into central Singapore under heavy security. The US delegation, en route from the G7 meeting in Canada, will arrive Sunday evening, and Trump is set to meet with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday. Trump is scheduled to arrive at Singapore's Paya Lebar Airbase at 8:35 pm on Sunday and go to the Shangri-La Hotel, according to the White House. I am on my way to Singapore where we have a chance to achieve a truly wonderful result for North Korea and the World. It will certainly be an exciting day and I know that Kim Jong-un will work very hard to do something that has rarely been done before... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018 × Officials onboard Air Force One include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. High stakes diplomacy for Kim and Trump At stake at the summit are North Korea's nuclear weapons and peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea spent decades developing nuclear weapons, culminating in the test of a thermonuclear device in 2017. It also successfully tested missiles that had enough range to reach the US mainland. The tests came amid a campaign of "maximum pressure," led by the United States, that tightened economic sanctions against North Korea and raised the possibility of military action. In a New Year's address, Kim said his country had completed development of its nuclear programme and would focus on economic development, suggesting a meeting with South Korea. After a flurry of contacts between the two Koreas, South Korean officials suggested to Trump in March that Kim would be willing to meet face-to-face. The summit comes after weeks of sometimes-contentious discussions and was briefly cancelled amid North Korean outrage over messaging from some US advisers. Many remain sceptical Kim will ever completely abandon his nuclear programmes. They believe his latest engagement is aimed at getting the United States to ease crippling economic sanctions that have squeezed the impoverished country. For Trump, a successful summit will see him achieve badly needed recognition on the international stage ahead of congressional elections in November. Believed to be 34, Kim is one of the youngest heads of state in the world and looks an unlikely candidate to be making history of the kind that has eluded his father and grandfather, both past leaders of North Korea. But since taking power in 2011 after his father's death, the youthful Kim has displayed a mixture of ruthlessness, pragmatism and statecraft to get this prize: to sit across the table with the leader of the United States and be treated as an equal. The two countries were on the brink of war last year, with their leaders trading insults and threats, until Kim made a dramatic offer in March to meet Trump and discuss nuclear disarmament, which the American president quickly accepted. Kim's journey from international pariah to being regarded as a responsible head of state has taken just a few months. The two leaders meet at 9 am (0100 GMT) on Tuesday at the Capella on Sentosa island, a refurbished British Army artillery mess that is now one of Singapore's most expensive luxury hotels.

North Korea's Kim lands in Singapore, on cusp of making history with Trump summit

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un arrived in Singapore on Sunday ahead of the crucial and historic summit with US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

A long convoy of the North Korean leader was seen going out of Changi Airport's VIP area. He is set to have a bilateral meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong later on Sunday.

The highly anticipated summit between the two leaders on June 12 will centre on Pyongyang's nuclear programme and economic assistance from Washington.

Kim will be meeting Singapore Prime Minister&nbsp;Lee Hsien Loong in the city-state later today.&nbsp;

Security around the St Regis and Shangri-La Hotel near the shopping area of Orchard Road were tightened with road blocks set to kick in from June 10 onwards. The two luxury hotels are said to be where Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un will be staying during their four-day visit. Neither of the hotels have confirmed.

In the meeting on June 12, US President Donald Trump will deploy a mix of charm and pressure to coax North Korean leader Kim Jong Un into a deal to give up nuclear weapons, trusting his gut instinct over briefing books in his ability to strike an accord, aides and former administration officials said.

The Singapore summit will be the first face-to-face meeting between Trump, the former reality TV star who likes to keep people guessing up to a cliffhanger finish, and Kim, the heir to a reclusive dynasty with a history of reneging on promises to curb its nuclear ambitions. More than 3,000 journalists are due in town, along with delegations and security entourages.

The main issue for the June 12 summit in Singapore is the US demand for North Korea to abandon a nuclear weapons program that now threatens the United States.

North Korea has rejected giving up its arsenal unilaterally and defends its nuclear and missile programs as a deterrent against what it sees as US aggression. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the Korean War.

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North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un arrives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Singapore?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Singapore</a> ahead of meeting with US President Donald Trump on June 12. <a href="https://t.co/In1mwQfNMz">pic.twitter.com/In1mwQfNMz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005718348087214080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The main issue for the June 12 summit in Singapore is the US demand for North Korea to abandon a nuclear weapons program that now threatens the United States

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un arrived in Singapore on Sunday ahead of the crucial and historic summit with US President Donald Trump. A long convoy of the North Korean leader was seen going out of Changi Airport's VIP area. He is set to have a bilateral meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong later on Sunday. The highly anticipated summit between the two leaders on June 12 will centre on Pyongyang's nuclear programme and economic assistance from Washington. Kim will be meeting Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in the city-state later today. Security around the St Regis and Shangri-La Hotel near the shopping area of Orchard Road were tightened with road blocks set to kick in from June 10 onwards. The two luxury hotels are said to be where Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un will be staying during their four-day visit. Neither of the hotels have confirmed. In the meeting on June 12, US President Donald Trump will deploy a mix of charm and pressure to coax North Korean leader Kim Jong Un into a deal to give up nuclear weapons, trusting his gut instinct over briefing books in his ability to strike an accord, aides and former administration officials said. The Singapore summit will be the first face-to-face meeting between Trump, the former reality TV star who likes to keep people guessing up to a cliffhanger finish, and Kim, the heir to a reclusive dynasty with a history of reneging on promises to curb its nuclear ambitions. More than 3,000 journalists are due in town, along with delegations and security entourages. The main issue for the June 12 summit in Singapore is the US demand for North Korea to abandon a nuclear weapons program that now threatens the United States. North Korea has rejected giving up its arsenal unilaterally and defends its nuclear and missile programs as a deterrent against what it sees as US aggression. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the Korean War. North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un arrives in #Singapore ahead of meeting with US President Donald Trump on June 12. pic.twitter.com/In1mwQfNMz — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 ×

North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un arrives in Singapore ahead of historic summit

Former National Basketball Association star Dennis Rodman said on Friday that he will be attending the historic summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Singapore on June 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The basketball star took to Twitter and announced: "I will be flying to Singapore for the historical Summit. I'll give whatever support is needed to my friends, @realDonaldTrump and Marshall Kim Jong Un," Rodman said.

However, soon after, Trump rubbished the news in a Tweet posted on Friday in which he confirmed that it was not true, saying that Rodman was probably "drunk or on drugs."

He wrote: "Dennis Rodman was either drunk or on drugs (delusional) when he said I wanted to go to North Korea with him. Glad I fired him on Apprentice!"

Kim Jong-Un and Rodman have famously built a bizarre friendship, and the former basketball player brought the dictator a copy of 'The Art of the Deal' for his birthday last year.

Dennis Rodman, 56, made his first trip to North Korea in 2013 with Vice Media correspondent Ryan Duffy, to host basketball exhibitions.

He met Kim Jong-un there and later declared him "a friend for life." The statement came after three visits to Pyongyang that year after which he suggested President Barack Obama call the leader due to their shared love of basketball.

Since then he has made a few visits to the country - with the most recent being June 2017, taking the tally up to around five trips.

After that five-day visit in June 2017, Rodman told reporters: "I’m just trying to open the door."

This trip, like the last one, is sponsored by potcoin.com, the crypto-currency provider for the legal marijuana industry.

Rodman has faced ridicule and criticism for his trips to North Korea, which some US politicians and activists view as serving only as fodder for North Korean propaganda.

<img alt="2018-06-09T041627Z_1_LWD001442Y7GN_RTRWNEV_E_6043-NORTHKOREA-USA-RODMAN-FILE.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="432" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/2018-06-09T041627Z_1_LWD001442Y7GN_RTRWNEV_E_6043-NORTHKOREA-USA-RODMAN-FILE.JPG" width="768" />

His earlier visits to North Korea included a basketball game that he organized, an event chronicled in the documentary film "Big Bang in Pyongyang," which featured Rodman singing "Happy Birthday" to Kim, as well as scenes of inebriated and erratic behavior by the basketball Hall of Famer.

Before Trump became president,&nbsp;Rodman&nbsp;appeared twice on his "Celebrity Apprentice" show and praised the billionaire real estate developer on Twitter during the 2016 presidential campaign.

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To all Americans and the rest of the world I’m honored to call <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> a friend. He’s one of the best negotiators of all time and I’m looking forward to him adding to his historic success at the Singapore Summit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Peace?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Peace</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Love?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Love</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeAmericaGreatAgain?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeAmericaGreatAgain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeTheWorldGreatAgain?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeTheWorldGreatAgain</a> <a href="https://t.co/3t3VBMSGaL">pic.twitter.com/3t3VBMSGaL</a>
— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) <a href="https://twitter.com/dennisrodman/status/1005118727229198338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Dennis Rodman was either drunk or on drugs (delusional) when he said I wanted to go to North Korea with him. Glad I fired him on Apprentice!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/464217937516040193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Kim and Rodman have famously built a bizarre friendship, and the former basketball player brought the dictator a copy of 'The Art of the Deal' for his birthday last year

Former National Basketball Association star Dennis Rodman said on Friday that he will be attending the historic summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Singapore on June 12. The basketball star took to Twitter and announced: "I will be flying to Singapore for the historical Summit. I'll give whatever support is needed to my friends, @realDonaldTrump and Marshall Kim Jong Un," Rodman said. However, soon after, Trump rubbished the news in a Tweet posted on Friday in which he confirmed that it was not true, saying that Rodman was probably "drunk or on drugs." He wrote: "Dennis Rodman was either drunk or on drugs (delusional) when he said I wanted to go to North Korea with him. Glad I fired him on Apprentice!" Kim Jong-Un and Rodman have famously built a bizarre friendship, and the former basketball player brought the dictator a copy of 'The Art of the Deal' for his birthday last year. Dennis Rodman, 56, made his first trip to North Korea in 2013 with Vice Media correspondent Ryan Duffy, to host basketball exhibitions. He met Kim Jong-un there and later declared him "a friend for life." The statement came after three visits to Pyongyang that year after which he suggested President Barack Obama call the leader due to their shared love of basketball. Since then he has made a few visits to the country - with the most recent being June 2017, taking the tally up to around five trips. After that five-day visit in June 2017, Rodman told reporters: "I’m just trying to open the door." This trip, like the last one, is sponsored by potcoin.com, the crypto-currency provider for the legal marijuana industry. Rodman has faced ridicule and criticism for his trips to North Korea, which some US politicians and activists view as serving only as fodder for North Korean propaganda. His earlier visits to North Korea included a basketball game that he organized, an event chronicled in the documentary film "Big Bang in Pyongyang," which featured Rodman singing "Happy Birthday" to Kim, as well as scenes of inebriated and erratic behavior by the basketball Hall of Famer. Before Trump became president, Rodman appeared twice on his "Celebrity Apprentice" show and praised the billionaire real estate developer on Twitter during the 2016 presidential campaign. To all Americans and the rest of the world I’m honored to call @POTUS a friend. He’s one of the best negotiators of all time and I’m looking forward to him adding to his historic success at the Singapore Summit. #Peace #Love #MakeAmericaGreatAgain #MakeTheWorldGreatAgain pic.twitter.com/3t3VBMSGaL — Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) June 8, 2018 × Dennis Rodman was either drunk or on drugs (delusional) when he said I wanted to go to North Korea with him. Glad I fired him on Apprentice! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 8, 2014 ×

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman to attend Singapore summit as Trump calls him 'delusional'

US President Donald Trump said his summit with North Korea represented "a one-time" chance to forge peace and that he would know within a minute if his counterpart Kim Jong Un was a serious partner.

Speaking shortly before beginning his long journey to Singapore, Trump told reporters that contacts between the US and North Korean negotiators had been positive in the build-up to Tuesday's historic meeting and talked up its prospects of success.

"It's unknown territory in the truest sense but I really feel confident," Trump said as he prepared to leave the ongoing G7 summit in Canada early and head to Asia.

"I feel that Kim Jong Un wants to do something great for his people and he has that opportunity... It's a one-time shot," he said at a press conference, adding that the North Koreans had been working "very well with us" ahead of the summit.

Trump and Kim are due to have the first ever US-North Korea summit in Singapore on Tuesday, with the American leader hoping his counterpart will scrap his nuclear weapons program in return for security guarantees.

The US president is the first of the G7 leaders to leave the summit in Canada where he has briefed his peers on the meeting.

"I am on a mission of peace and we're going to be carrying the hearts of millions of people from all," he said.

"We have to get denuclearization, we have to get something going."

Asked how long it would take for him to work out if Kim was serious about striking some kind of peace deal, Trump replied: "I think within the first minute I'll know.

"I think I'll know pretty quickly whether or not, in my opinion, something positive will happen. And if I think it won't happen, I'm not going to waste my time. I don't want to waste his time."

US President Donald Trump said his summit with North Korea represented "a one-time" chance to forge peace and that he would know within a minute if his counterpart Kim Jong Un was a serious partner

US President Donald Trump said his summit with North Korea represented "a one-time" chance to forge peace and that he would know within a minute if his counterpart Kim Jong Un was a serious partner. Speaking shortly before beginning his long journey to Singapore, Trump told reporters that contacts between the US and North Korean negotiators had been positive in the build-up to Tuesday's historic meeting and talked up its prospects of success. "It's unknown territory in the truest sense but I really feel confident," Trump said as he prepared to leave the ongoing G7 summit in Canada early and head to Asia. "I feel that Kim Jong Un wants to do something great for his people and he has that opportunity... It's a one-time shot," he said at a press conference, adding that the North Koreans had been working "very well with us" ahead of the summit. Trump and Kim are due to have the first ever US-North Korea summit in Singapore on Tuesday, with the American leader hoping his counterpart will scrap his nuclear weapons program in return for security guarantees. The US president is the first of the G7 leaders to leave the summit in Canada where he has briefed his peers on the meeting. "I am on a mission of peace and we're going to be carrying the hearts of millions of people from all," he said. "We have to get denuclearization, we have to get something going." Asked how long it would take for him to work out if Kim was serious about striking some kind of peace deal, Trump replied: "I think within the first minute I'll know. "I think I'll know pretty quickly whether or not, in my opinion, something positive will happen. And if I think it won't happen, I'm not going to waste my time. I don't want to waste his time."

'One time shot' for peace with North Korea: Trump

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/as-rajnath-singh-visits-jk-terrorists-attack-army-patrol-in-kupwara-twice-in-24-hours-142979">As Rajnath Singh visits J&K, terrorists attack Army patrol in Kupwara twice in 24 hours</a>

A day after home minister arrived in&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir(J&K)&nbsp;terrorists&nbsp;attacked an army patrol in Haril area of Kupwara district. On Thursday, terrorists had ambushed the Army's patrol party in the Keran sector in Kupwara. Two soldiers were injured in the attack.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-rajinikanths-kaala-releases-in-select-theaters-across-karnataka--142982">Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' releases in select </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-rajinikanths-kaala-releases-in-select-theaters-across-karnataka--142982">theaters</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-rajinikanths-kaala-releases-in-select-theaters-across-karnataka--142982"> across Karnataka</a>

Rajinikanth's Kaala did release in Karnataka on Thursday but only in select theatres and amid heavy security. Fear of vandalism overtook a high court order and most theaters preferred not to screen the film across the state.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/might-invite-kim-to-us-if-talks-go-well-trump-142969">Might invite Kim to </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/might-invite-kim-to-us-if-talks-go-well-trump-142969">US</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/might-invite-kim-to-us-if-talks-go-well-trump-142969"> if talks go well: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he may invite North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to the White House if the Singapore summit goes well.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/india-must-improve-performance-of-public-sector-banks-imf-142991">India must improve </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/india-must-improve-performance-of-public-sector-banks-imf-142991">performance</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/india-must-improve-performance-of-public-sector-banks-imf-142991"> of public sector banks: IMF</a>

The International Monetary Fund said today that&nbsp;India should look at the performance&nbsp;of the public sector banks as it seeks to reform and grow.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/japan-willing-to-talk-to-north-korea-and-normalise-ties-pm-shinzo-abe-142971">Japan willing to talk to North Korea and normalise ties: PM Shinzo Abe</a>

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said today that Japan strongly for peace in the Korean Peninsula while asserting that his country was willing to talk to North Korea to normalise ties.

As Rajnath Singh visits J&K, terrorists attack Army patrol in Kupwara twice in 24 hours A day after home minister arrived in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) terrorists attacked an army patrol in Haril area of Kupwara district. On Thursday, terrorists had ambushed the Army's patrol party in the Keran sector in Kupwara. Two soldiers were injured in the attack. Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' releases in select theaters across Karnataka Rajinikanth's Kaala did release in Karnataka on Thursday but only in select theatres and amid heavy security. Fear of vandalism overtook a high court order and most theaters preferred not to screen the film across the state. Might invite Kim to US if talks go well: Trump US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he may invite North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to the White House if the Singapore summit goes well. India must improve performance of public sector banks: IMF The International Monetary Fund said today that India should look at the performance of the public sector banks as it seeks to reform and grow. Japan willing to talk to North Korea and normalise ties: PM Shinzo Abe Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said today that Japan strongly for peace in the Korean Peninsula while asserting that his country was willing to talk to North Korea to normalise ties.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said today that Japan strongly for peace in the Korean Peninsula while asserting that his country was willing to talk to North Korea to normalise ties.

Abe and Trump earlier met at the White House with both leaders discussing the impending summit with Kim Jong-un at length.

"In five days, the US-North Korea summit is to take place. First of all, I would like to pay my deep respect to the outstanding leadership of President Trump as he made this decision that no past president were ever able to accomplish. In the last 18 months, we really spent many hours to discuss this issue," the Japanese PM said.

The Japanese PM who has strongly stood for denuclearisation of North Korea, said: "Japan is willing to talk to North Korea to normalise ties."

"Trump, amongst the world leaders, I think is one of the leaders who understands the issue the greatest. So at the upcoming summit, the abduction issue would be explained to Kim," he added.

Japan, Abe said, will continue to ask for complete implementation of the successive United Nations Security Council Resolutions. &nbspAbe said based on the Japan-North Korea Pyongyang Declaration, Tokyo was prepared to settle the past, normalise diplomatic relations and improve economic ties with North Korea.&nbsp

"There is no change at all for Japan's policy to seek comprehensive solution of the abduction, nuclear and missile programmes, and to realise real peace in northeast Asia. This is what Japan strongly hopes for," he said.

Abe added that the world was going to witness a "historic" summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un next week. 
&nbsp

Abe added that the world was going to witness a "historic" summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un next week.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said today that Japan strongly for peace in the Korean Peninsula while asserting that his country was willing to talk to North Korea to normalise ties. Abe and Trump earlier met at the White House with both leaders discussing the impending summit with Kim Jong-un at length. "In five days, the US-North Korea summit is to take place. First of all, I would like to pay my deep respect to the outstanding leadership of President Trump as he made this decision that no past president were ever able to accomplish. In the last 18 months, we really spent many hours to discuss this issue," the Japanese PM said. The Japanese PM who has strongly stood for denuclearisation of North Korea, said: "Japan is willing to talk to North Korea to normalise ties." "Trump, amongst the world leaders, I think is one of the leaders who understands the issue the greatest. So at the upcoming summit, the abduction issue would be explained to Kim," he added. Japan, Abe said, will continue to ask for complete implementation of the successive United Nations Security Council Resolutions. &nbspAbe said based on the Japan-North Korea Pyongyang Declaration, Tokyo was prepared to settle the past, normalise diplomatic relations and improve economic ties with North Korea. "There is no change at all for Japan's policy to seek comprehensive solution of the abduction, nuclear and missile programmes, and to realise real peace in northeast Asia. This is what Japan strongly hopes for," he said. Abe added that the world was going to witness a "historic" summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un next week.

Japan willing to talk to North Korea and normalise ties: PM Shinzo Abe

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he may invite North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to the White House if the Singapore summit goes well.

His remarks came after his meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe where the two leaders discussed the forthcoming Singapore summit.

Answering a question if he would invite the North Korean leader to White House or Mar-a-lago, Trump said: "Maybe we'll start with the White House".

He, however, clarified that he would not hesitate in walking out of the meeting if his goals were not achieved.

He said, "I am totally prepared to walk. It could happen. Maybe it won't be necessary. I hope it won't be necessary to walk, because I really believe that Kim Jong-un wants to do something that is going to be great for his people, and also great for his family, and great for himself".

"I am totally prepared to walk away. I did it once before. You have to be able to walk away. If you're not going to be able to walk away -- we didn't walk away from the horrible Iran deal that was signed, and if you look at what's happened, since I signed that deal, Iran and in all fairness, I say it with great respect for the people of Iran, but Iran is acting a lot differently. They're no longer looking so much to the Mediterranean", Trump added.

After some back and forth, the highly anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un is scheduled for June 12.

The two leaders were hurling insults and threats of war with each other for a very long time.&nbsp;

The rhetoric began to cool during the Winter Olympics in South Korea, and by mid-March, the two sides decided to a face-to-face.

(With input from Agencies)

Answering a question if he would invite the North Korean leader to White House or Mar-a-lago, Trump said: "Maybe we'll start with the White House". He, however, clarified that he would not hesitate in walking out of the meeting if his goals were not achieved

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he may invite North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to the White House if the Singapore summit goes well. His remarks came after his meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe where the two leaders discussed the forthcoming Singapore summit. Answering a question if he would invite the North Korean leader to White House or Mar-a-lago, Trump said: "Maybe we'll start with the White House". He, however, clarified that he would not hesitate in walking out of the meeting if his goals were not achieved. He said, "I am totally prepared to walk. It could happen. Maybe it won't be necessary. I hope it won't be necessary to walk, because I really believe that Kim Jong-un wants to do something that is going to be great for his people, and also great for his family, and great for himself". "I am totally prepared to walk away. I did it once before. You have to be able to walk away. If you're not going to be able to walk away -- we didn't walk away from the horrible Iran deal that was signed, and if you look at what's happened, since I signed that deal, Iran and in all fairness, I say it with great respect for the people of Iran, but Iran is acting a lot differently. They're no longer looking so much to the Mediterranean", Trump added. After some back and forth, the highly anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un is scheduled for June 12. The two leaders were hurling insults and threats of war with each other for a very long time. The rhetoric began to cool during the Winter Olympics in South Korea, and by mid-March, the two sides decided to a face-to-face. (With input from Agencies)

Might invite Kim to US if talks go well: Trump

As US President Trump prepares <a href="http://wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-to-take-place-in-singapores-capella-hotel-on-sentosa-island-142478">to meet North Korean leader Kim</a> Jong-un, President Putin said Russia had proposed a "roadmap" for resolving the Korean Peninsula issue.

Russia's foreign minister Sergei <a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-kims-singapore-summit-to-be-guarded-by-gurkhas-142378">Lavrov had med Kim in Pyongyang</a> last week and extended an invite to the North Korean leader to meet Putin at the Kremlin. Lavrov had reportedly extended “warmest regards and best wishes to Kim".

In a television interview to a Chinese media channel, Putin said: "We have proposed a roadmap for resolving the Korean Peninsula issue. China has done a lot to ease the situation in the region. We are very glad about this and we will give our full support."

During the interview, Putin said North Korea must realise the Korean Peninsula needs to be "denuclearised", adding that "tragedies in Libya and Iraq" should not be repeated.

"We also saw that the DPRK(North Korea) leadership has made unprecedented efforts to eliminate regional tensions, which, to be honest, was unexpected to me," he added.&nbsp;

Putin backed Kim's demand to secure a "guarantee" as it denuclearises, which has often been rejected by the Trump administration.

"When the leaders of the DPRK noted that if they are to realize complete denuclearization, the country's security must be guaranteed. &nbsp;It goes without saying that they demand guarantees," the Russian president said.

On the impending Trump-Kim meeting, Putin said: "I hope the wise and mature decisions of US President Trump to establish direct contact with DPRK top leader Kim Jong-un will be implemented." He added that he hoped some "positive results" will result from the meeting.

Expanding on Western sanctions, a defiant Putin said Western countries were aimed at hindering Russia's development but will be in vain.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5RyIBBEPGww" width="560"></iframe>

Expanding on Western sanctions, a defiant Putin said Western countries were aimed at hindering Russia's development but will be in vain.

As US President Trump prepares to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, President Putin said Russia had proposed a "roadmap" for resolving the Korean Peninsula issue. Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had med Kim in Pyongyang last week and extended an invite to the North Korean leader to meet Putin at the Kremlin. Lavrov had reportedly extended “warmest regards and best wishes to Kim". In a television interview to a Chinese media channel, Putin said: "We have proposed a roadmap for resolving the Korean Peninsula issue. China has done a lot to ease the situation in the region. We are very glad about this and we will give our full support." During the interview, Putin said North Korea must realise the Korean Peninsula needs to be "denuclearised", adding that "tragedies in Libya and Iraq" should not be repeated. "We also saw that the DPRK(North Korea) leadership has made unprecedented efforts to eliminate regional tensions, which, to be honest, was unexpected to me," he added. Putin backed Kim's demand to secure a "guarantee" as it denuclearises, which has often been rejected by the Trump administration. "When the leaders of the DPRK noted that if they are to realize complete denuclearization, the country's security must be guaranteed. It goes without saying that they demand guarantees," the Russian president said. On the impending Trump-Kim meeting, Putin said: "I hope the wise and mature decisions of US President Trump to establish direct contact with DPRK top leader Kim Jong-un will be implemented." He added that he hoped some "positive results" will result from the meeting. Expanding on Western sanctions, a defiant Putin said Western countries were aimed at hindering Russia's development but will be in vain.

'Russia has proposed a roadmap for resolving Korean Peninsula issue,' says Putin

The high-profile summit between <a href="http://wionews.com/world/with-khukris-and-assault-rifles-singapores-gurkhas-to-guard-trump-kim-summit-142406">President Trump and North Korean</a> leader Kim Jong-un will take place in Singapore's Capella hotel on Sentosa Island.

The White House had<a href="http://wionews.com/world/singapore-designates-special-zone-for-trump-kim-summit-142122"> said on Tuesday the </a>meeting would take place at&nbsp9:00 am (0100 GMT).

The plush&nbspCapella hotel had earlier played host to pop star Madonna and Lady Gaga.

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UPDATE: The venue for the Singapore summit between <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and Leader Kim Jong Un will be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island. We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality.
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1004037987607498754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Preparation is underway in full swing in Singapore with Trump-Kim set to meet on June 12th.&nbspTrump said plans for the summit were "moving along very well."

"A lot of relationships being built, a lot of negotiations going on before the trip," Trump said. "We’ll see what happens. But it's very important – it'll be a very important couple of days."

Trump said the summit could result in North Korea agreeing to formally end the 1950 Korean war which ended in an uneasy truce, beyond that the Trump had said the world should not have too many expectations as one meeting would never really give tangible results.

Meanwhile, the Singapore government has put a security blanket around Sentosa and declared the&nbspUS embassy and hotels, as a special zone from June 10 to 14. Sentosa island is a well known tourist attraction with beaches, casinos and world class golf courses, a pet passion of President Trump.

The island reportedly hosts plush houses and with wealthy residents making up the population.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fdboOng6VVY" width="560"></iframe>

the Singapore government has put a security blanket around in Sentosa

The high-profile summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will take place in Singapore's Capella hotel on Sentosa Island. The White House had said on Tuesday the meeting would take place at&nbsp9:00 am (0100 GMT). The plush&nbspCapella hotel had earlier played host to pop star Madonna and Lady Gaga. UPDATE: The venue for the Singapore summit between @POTUS and Leader Kim Jong Un will be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island. We thank our great Singaporean hosts for their hospitality. — Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) June 5, 2018 × Preparation is underway in full swing in Singapore with Trump-Kim set to meet on June 12th.&nbspTrump said plans for the summit were "moving along very well." "A lot of relationships being built, a lot of negotiations going on before the trip," Trump said. "We’ll see what happens. But it's very important – it'll be a very important couple of days." Trump said the summit could result in North Korea agreeing to formally end the 1950 Korean war which ended in an uneasy truce, beyond that the Trump had said the world should not have too many expectations as one meeting would never really give tangible results. Meanwhile, the Singapore government has put a security blanket around Sentosa and declared the&nbspUS embassy and hotels, as a special zone from June 10 to 14. Sentosa island is a well known tourist attraction with beaches, casinos and world class golf courses, a pet passion of President Trump. The island reportedly hosts plush houses and with wealthy residents making up the population.

Kim-Trump summit to take place in Singapore's Capella hotel on Sentosa Island

After months of wrangling over the issue, the White House said today President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's meeting will take place at 9:00 am (0100 GMT) in Singapore on June 12.

President Trump who few weeks had declared the summit was going to happen after earlier nearly calling it off will now meet Kim for the first time in an Asian country.

"We are actively preparing for the June 12th summit between the president and the North Korean leader," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

"We feel like things are continuing to move forward, and good progress has been made," the White House spokesman added.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6HuYXfhfzEw" width="560"></iframe>

Preparations for the June 12th meeting between Trump and Kim is underway.

After months of wrangling over the issue, the White House said today President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's meeting will take place at 9:00 am (0100 GMT) in Singapore on June 12. President Trump who few weeks had declared the summit was going to happen after earlier nearly calling it off will now meet Kim for the first time in an Asian country. "We are actively preparing for the June 12th summit between the president and the North Korean leader," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. "We feel like things are continuing to move forward, and good progress has been made," the White House spokesman added.

Trump to meet Kim Jong-un at 9:00 am in Singapore on June 12: White House

The first lady of the United States, Melania Trump will not attend the upcoming G7 summit in Quebec, Canada the White House said on Sunday.

According to the statement, she will also not attend the much-anticipated summit between Donald Trump and North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un in June.

“She will not attend the G7 and there are no plans for her to travel to Singapore at this time,” news agency Reuters quoted&nbspher spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, as saying.

Recently underwent a surgery, Melania Trump has not made any public appearance since May 10 when she welcomed three Americans home, who had been held prisoners in North Korea.

She was released from the hospital on May 19 after she underwent a surgical procedure related to a Kidney.

As the first lady has kept herself out of public meetings for several days there have been many speculations regarding Melania's absence.

In response to those speculations, she tweeted on May 30,

“I see the media is working overtime speculating where I am & what I’m doing. Rest assured, I’m here at the @WhiteHouse with my family, feeling great, & working hard on behalf of children & the American people!” she wrote on Twitter.

She had attended the G7 summit held in Italy last year. This year's G7 meeting is scheduled to take place on June 8-9 while the Singapore summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un will take place on June 12.

&nbsp

Recently underwent a surgery, Melania Trump has not made any public appearance since May 10 when she welcomed three Americans home, who had been held prisoners in North Korea

The first lady of the United States, Melania Trump will not attend the upcoming G7 summit in Quebec, Canada the White House said on Sunday. According to the statement, she will also not attend the much-anticipated summit between Donald Trump and North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un in June. “She will not attend the G7 and there are no plans for her to travel to Singapore at this time,” news agency Reuters quoted&nbspher spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, as saying. Recently underwent a surgery, Melania Trump has not made any public appearance since May 10 when she welcomed three Americans home, who had been held prisoners in North Korea. She was released from the hospital on May 19 after she underwent a surgical procedure related to a Kidney. As the first lady has kept herself out of public meetings for several days there have been many speculations regarding Melania's absence. In response to those speculations, she tweeted on May 30, “I see the media is working overtime speculating where I am & what I’m doing. Rest assured, I’m here at the @WhiteHouse with my family, feeling great, & working hard on behalf of children & the American people!” she wrote on Twitter. She had attended the G7 summit held in Italy last year. This year's G7 meeting is scheduled to take place on June 8-9 while the Singapore summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un will take place on June 12.

US first lady Melania Trump will not attend G7 and Singapore summit: White house

Russia President Vladimir Putin could meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un &nbsp;in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok in September, RIA news agency reported on Monday, citing diplomatic sources.

As per Reuters, other potential locations and dates are also being discussed.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he plans to visit North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, potentially the first meeting between Kim and another head of state in Pyongyang.

"I am going to visit the DPRK and meet HE Kim Jong Un," Assad said on May 30, North Korea's KCNA news agency reported, using the initials of the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

There was no immediate comment from the Syrian president’s office.

Assad reportedly made the remarks as he received the credentials of North Korean Ambassador Mun Jong Nam.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a historic summit in Singapore on June 12.

Trump's announcement came at the end of a two-hour meeting in the Oval Office of the White House with North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol, who had travelled from New York after two days of talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Kim Yong Chol delivered a letter from the North Korean leader to Trump.

"We are meeting with the Chairman (Kim Jong-un) on June 12 (in Singapore). It is ultimately going to be a successful process," Trump said immediately after Kim Yong Chol left the White House.

"I will travel to Singapore on June 12. Relationships are building. It will be a beginning...I never said that it will happen in one meeting. I think we will have a very positive result in one meeting," the president said.

On Sunday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he plans to visit North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, potentially the first meeting between Kim and another head of state in Pyongyang

Russia President Vladimir Putin could meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok in September, RIA news agency reported on Monday, citing diplomatic sources. As per Reuters, other potential locations and dates are also being discussed. On Sunday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he plans to visit North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, potentially the first meeting between Kim and another head of state in Pyongyang. "I am going to visit the DPRK and meet HE Kim Jong Un," Assad said on May 30, North Korea's KCNA news agency reported, using the initials of the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. There was no immediate comment from the Syrian president’s office. Assad reportedly made the remarks as he received the credentials of North Korean Ambassador Mun Jong Nam. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a historic summit in Singapore on June 12. Trump's announcement came at the end of a two-hour meeting in the Oval Office of the White House with North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol, who had travelled from New York after two days of talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Kim Yong Chol delivered a letter from the North Korean leader to Trump. "We are meeting with the Chairman (Kim Jong-un) on June 12 (in Singapore). It is ultimately going to be a successful process," Trump said immediately after Kim Yong Chol left the White House. "I will travel to Singapore on June 12. Relationships are building. It will be a beginning...I never said that it will happen in one meeting. I think we will have a very positive result in one meeting," the president said.

Putin could meet Kim Jong-Un in Vladivostok in September

US President Donald Trump today confirmed that he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a historic summit in Singapore on June 12.

Trump's announcement came at the end of a two-hour meeting in the Oval Office of the White House with North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol, who had travelled from New York after two days of talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Kim Yong Chol delivered a letter from the North Korean leader to Trump.

"We are meeting with the Chairman (Kim Jong-un) on June 12 (in Singapore). It is ultimately going to be a successful process," Trump said immediately after Kim Yong Chol left the White House.

"I will travel to Singapore on June 12. Relationships are building. It will be a beginning...I never said that it will happen in one meeting. I think we will have a very positive result in one meeting," the president said.

It was a letter presentation which ended up with a two-hour conversation, Trump said, adding that the meeting was with the second most powerful man in North Korea.

"Good meeting today. I think, it is a great start," he said in response to a question.

"We talked about a lot of things," he said adding that it also included US sanctions on North Korea.

"The big thing will be on June 12. The process will begin on June 12 in Singapore," said the US president.&nbsp;

Before heading back to the Oval Office, Trump told reporters he has not read Kim's letter delivered to him by the North Korean envoy.

He said he asked the envoy if he should read it during the meeting, and was told he could read it later.

"We are meeting with the Chairman (Kim Jong-un) on June 12 (in Singapore). It is ultimately going to be a successful process," Trump said

US President Donald Trump today confirmed that he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a historic summit in Singapore on June 12. Trump's announcement came at the end of a two-hour meeting in the Oval Office of the White House with North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol, who had travelled from New York after two days of talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Kim Yong Chol delivered a letter from the North Korean leader to Trump. "We are meeting with the Chairman (Kim Jong-un) on June 12 (in Singapore). It is ultimately going to be a successful process," Trump said immediately after Kim Yong Chol left the White House. "I will travel to Singapore on June 12. Relationships are building. It will be a beginning...I never said that it will happen in one meeting. I think we will have a very positive result in one meeting," the president said. It was a letter presentation which ended up with a two-hour conversation, Trump said, adding that the meeting was with the second most powerful man in North Korea. "Good meeting today. I think, it is a great start," he said in response to a question. "We talked about a lot of things," he said adding that it also included US sanctions on North Korea. "The big thing will be on June 12. The process will begin on June 12 in Singapore," said the US president. Before heading back to the Oval Office, Trump told reporters he has not read Kim's letter delivered to him by the North Korean envoy. He said he asked the envoy if he should read it during the meeting, and was told he could read it later.

Historic summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un is back on for June 12 in Singapore: Donald Trump

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/historic-summit-with-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-is-back-on-for-june-12-in-singapore-donald-trump-141676">Historic summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un is back on for June 12 in Singapore: Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump today confirmed that he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a historic summit in Singapore on June 12.

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The United States is willing to work with China on a "results-oriented" relationship, but Beijing's actions in the South China Sea call into question its intent and the Pentagon will "compete vigorously" if needed, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/we-have-russian-hit-list-of-47-people-ukraine-tells-allies-141678">'We have Russian hit-list of 47 people', Ukraine tells allies</a>

Ukraine, seeking to reassure its Western allies after faking the murder of a Russian dissident to thwart what it said was a plot on his life, told them on Friday its ruse led to the discovery of a hit-list of 47 people whom Russia planned to kill abroad.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/modi-pushes-for-asean-unity-and-a-new-rule-based-multipolar-world-order-141639">'Nations need to rise above divisions and work together,' says Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue</a>

The much-awaited Shangri-La Dialogue started with renewed emphasis on the Indian and South East Asian connection. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the future resides in the East and the region can be shaped with collective hope. He said Singapore is an example of great excellence. “When rule prevails and oceans are open, nations prosper and Singapore is an example of it,” he said.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-vetoes-un-resolution-on-protecting-palestinians-141682">US vetoes UN resolution on protecting Palestinians</a>

The United States vetoed Friday an Arab-backed UN draft resolution calling for measures to protect the Palestinians but failed to win any backing for its own text condemning Hamas for the violence in Gaza.

&nbsp

Historic summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un is back on for June 12 in Singapore: Donald Trump US President Donald Trump today confirmed that he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a historic summit in Singapore on June 12. Mattis slams China on South China Sea, leaves door open for 'results oriented relationship' The United States is willing to work with China on a "results-oriented" relationship, but Beijing's actions in the South China Sea call into question its intent and the Pentagon will "compete vigorously" if needed, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday. 'We have Russian hit-list of 47 people', Ukraine tells allies Ukraine, seeking to reassure its Western allies after faking the murder of a Russian dissident to thwart what it said was a plot on his life, told them on Friday its ruse led to the discovery of a hit-list of 47 people whom Russia planned to kill abroad. 'Nations need to rise above divisions and work together,' says Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue The much-awaited Shangri-La Dialogue started with renewed emphasis on the Indian and South East Asian connection. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the future resides in the East and the region can be shaped with collective hope. He said Singapore is an example of great excellence. “When rule prevails and oceans are open, nations prosper and Singapore is an example of it,” he said. US vetoes UN resolution on protecting Palestinians The United States vetoed Friday an Arab-backed UN draft resolution calling for measures to protect the Palestinians but failed to win any backing for its own text condemning Hamas for the violence in Gaza.

The US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, in a complete reversal, said on Friday he would hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore in the latest twist in the high-stakes diplomacy over eliminating Pyongyang's nuclear arms program.

Eight days after cancelling the unprecedented summit, citing Pyongyang's "open hostility," Trump welcomed North Korea's former intelligence chief, currently under punitive US&nbspsanctions, to the White House Oval Office, afterwards exchanging smiles and handshakes, patting his arm in a friendly gesture.

"Good meeting today. I think it's a great start," Trump said after conferring for about 90 minutes with Kim Yong Chol, who became the first North Korean official to visit the White House in 18 years and who the US&nbsppresident called "the second most powerful man in North Korea."

Trump said he expected an eventual "very positive result" with North Korea but dampened expectations for a breakthrough in Singapore.

"We`re not going to go in and sign something on June 12th, and we never were," Trump told reporters on the White House lawn. "We`re going to start a process. And I told them today, `Take your time, we can go fast, we can go slowly,` but I think they`d like to see something happen."

Trump said it could take several meetings to reach an agreement, but he was convinced that Kim Jong Un was committed to denuclearisation. "He`d like to see it happen," Trump said.

It was an extraordinary change in tone from a president who last year threatened to rain "fire and fury like the world has never seen" on North Korea because of the threat its nuclear weapons and missiles posed to the United States.&nbsp

Trump even backed away from the words "maximum pressure" that his administration had used to describe its approach to North Korea, combining the toughest-ever US&nbspand international economic sanctions with diplomatic actions and the Republican president`s military threats and preparations.

Getting along

"We`re getting along, so it`s not a question of maximum pressure," Trump said. "At some point, hopefully ... for the good of millions of people, a deal will be worked out."

Trump said one thing that could come out of the summit is an agreement formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War, which was concluded only with a truce, not a peace treaty.&nbsp

"We are going to discuss it prior to the meeting. That`s something that could come out of the meeting," Trump said when asked if a document ending the war was bring prepared.&nbsp

South Korea`s presidential office said on Saturday that the path to the North Korea-US&nbspsummit had become "broader and firmer," and it would calmly yet excitedly watch the historic meeting to be held in Singapore.&nbsp

The visiting North Korean official, linked by US&nbspintelligence to a high-profile cyber attack on Sony Pictures in 2014, delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump. A White House official said Trump had read the letter but did not reveal its contents.

Trump wants North Korea to "denuclearize," meaning to get rid of its nuclear arsenal, in return for relief from economic sanctions. But North Korea`s leadership is believed to regard nuclear weapons as crucial to its survival and has rejected unilaterally disarming.

A senior member of Trump`s Republican Party sounded a note of caution. Speaking in Kentucky, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he expected the North Koreans to make "every effort they can to get sanctions and other relief and give up as little as possible."

"For these situations to work, you have to not want the deal too much," McConnell said. "You fall in love with the deal and it`s too important (to) you to get it, and the details become less significant, you could get snookered," McConnell said.

North Korea, whose nuclear ambitions have been a source of tension for decades, has made advances in missile technology in recent years but Trump has sworn not to allow it to develop nuclear missiles that could hit the United States.

Wall Street took news of the summit`s revival in stride.

While Trump sounded conciliatory toward North Korea, Kim used Cold War-style language about Washington during a televised encounter with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Pyongyang on Thursday, referring to

"US&nbsphegemonism." Referring to the Lavrov meeting, Trump said he "didn`t like it."&nbsp

Totally over that

Trump abruptly called off the summit on May 24 after North Korea sharply criticized US Vice President Mike Pence and Trump`s national security adviser, John Bolton. "I think we`re over that, totally over that," Trump said on Friday.

While Trump has put great importance on sealing a nuclear deal with North Korea, and secured the return of three Americans detained there, he has bucked traditional US&nbspforeign policy and alienated America`s European and NATO allies and trading partners.

He snubbed France, Germany and Britain by pulling out of a nuclear agreement with Iran and upset the Europeans, as well as neighbors Canada and Mexico, with protectionist trade policies.

The North Korean envoy, Kim Yong Chol, was the highest-level figure from the reclusive country to hold talks at the White House since a senior envoy visited former President Bill Clinton in 2000. He is vice chairman of the ruling Workers` Party`s Central Committee.

Trump walked the envoy out of the Oval Office to the lawn, posing for photographs as his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, looked on.

Trump said North Korea's human rights record was not discussed at the meeting.

Kim Yong Chol once served as a bodyguard to the current leader`s father, Kim Jong Il, and was previously chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a North Korean military intelligence agency.

In 2015, then-US&nbspdirector of national intelligence James Clapper described Kim Yong Chol as "the guy who ultimately would have to okay the cyber attack against Sony" in 2014.

North Korean hackers allegedly infiltrated Sony`s systems and destroyed computers and laptops, apparently in retaliation for the entertainment company`s comedy movie "The Interview" that parodied North Korea`s leadership.

Kim Yong Chol has featured on lists of North Korean officials targeted by US&nbspTreasury sanctions, including for supporting his country`s nuclear and missiles programs and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the cyber attack. He was granted special permission to travel to the United States for meetings this week with US&nbspofficials, the State Department said.

He was accused by South Korea of masterminding deadly attacks on a South Korean navy ship and an island in 2010. North Korea denied any involvement in those incidents.&nbsp

Eight days after cancelling the unprecedented summit, citing Pyongyang's 'open hostility,' Trump welcomed North Korea's Kim Yong Chol, currently under punitive US sanctions, to the White House Oval Office

The US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, in a complete reversal, said on Friday he would hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore in the latest twist in the high-stakes diplomacy over eliminating Pyongyang's nuclear arms program. Eight days after cancelling the unprecedented summit, citing Pyongyang's "open hostility," Trump welcomed North Korea's former intelligence chief, currently under punitive US&nbspsanctions, to the White House Oval Office, afterwards exchanging smiles and handshakes, patting his arm in a friendly gesture. "Good meeting today. I think it's a great start," Trump said after conferring for about 90 minutes with Kim Yong Chol, who became the first North Korean official to visit the White House in 18 years and who the US&nbsppresident called "the second most powerful man in North Korea." Trump said he expected an eventual "very positive result" with North Korea but dampened expectations for a breakthrough in Singapore. "We`re not going to go in and sign something on June 12th, and we never were," Trump told reporters on the White House lawn. "We`re going to start a process. And I told them today, `Take your time, we can go fast, we can go slowly,` but I think they`d like to see something happen." Trump said it could take several meetings to reach an agreement, but he was convinced that Kim Jong Un was committed to denuclearisation. "He`d like to see it happen," Trump said. It was an extraordinary change in tone from a president who last year threatened to rain "fire and fury like the world has never seen" on North Korea because of the threat its nuclear weapons and missiles posed to the United States. Trump even backed away from the words "maximum pressure" that his administration had used to describe its approach to North Korea, combining the toughest-ever US&nbspand international economic sanctions with diplomatic actions and the Republican president`s military threats and preparations. Getting along "We`re getting along, so it`s not a question of maximum pressure," Trump said. "At some point, hopefully ... for the good of millions of people, a deal will be worked out." Trump said one thing that could come out of the summit is an agreement formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War, which was concluded only with a truce, not a peace treaty. "We are going to discuss it prior to the meeting. That`s something that could come out of the meeting," Trump said when asked if a document ending the war was bring prepared. South Korea`s presidential office said on Saturday that the path to the North Korea-US&nbspsummit had become "broader and firmer," and it would calmly yet excitedly watch the historic meeting to be held in Singapore. The visiting North Korean official, linked by US&nbspintelligence to a high-profile cyber attack on Sony Pictures in 2014, delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump. A White House official said Trump had read the letter but did not reveal its contents. Trump wants North Korea to "denuclearize," meaning to get rid of its nuclear arsenal, in return for relief from economic sanctions. But North Korea`s leadership is believed to regard nuclear weapons as crucial to its survival and has rejected unilaterally disarming. A senior member of Trump`s Republican Party sounded a note of caution. Speaking in Kentucky, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he expected the North Koreans to make "every effort they can to get sanctions and other relief and give up as little as possible." "For these situations to work, you have to not want the deal too much," McConnell said. "You fall in love with the deal and it`s too important (to) you to get it, and the details become less significant, you could get snookered," McConnell said. North Korea, whose nuclear ambitions have been a source of tension for decades, has made advances in missile technology in recent years but Trump has sworn not to allow it to develop nuclear missiles that could hit the United States. Wall Street took news of the summit`s revival in stride. While Trump sounded conciliatory toward North Korea, Kim used Cold War-style language about Washington during a televised encounter with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Pyongyang on Thursday, referring to "US&nbsphegemonism." Referring to the Lavrov meeting, Trump said he "didn`t like it." Totally over that Trump abruptly called off the summit on May 24 after North Korea sharply criticized US Vice President Mike Pence and Trump`s national security adviser, John Bolton. "I think we`re over that, totally over that," Trump said on Friday. While Trump has put great importance on sealing a nuclear deal with North Korea, and secured the return of three Americans detained there, he has bucked traditional US&nbspforeign policy and alienated America`s European and NATO allies and trading partners. He snubbed France, Germany and Britain by pulling out of a nuclear agreement with Iran and upset the Europeans, as well as neighbors Canada and Mexico, with protectionist trade policies. The North Korean envoy, Kim Yong Chol, was the highest-level figure from the reclusive country to hold talks at the White House since a senior envoy visited former President Bill Clinton in 2000. He is vice chairman of the ruling Workers` Party`s Central Committee. Trump walked the envoy out of the Oval Office to the lawn, posing for photographs as his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, looked on. Trump said North Korea's human rights record was not discussed at the meeting. Kim Yong Chol once served as a bodyguard to the current leader`s father, Kim Jong Il, and was previously chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a North Korean military intelligence agency. In 2015, then-US&nbspdirector of national intelligence James Clapper described Kim Yong Chol as "the guy who ultimately would have to okay the cyber attack against Sony" in 2014. North Korean hackers allegedly infiltrated Sony`s systems and destroyed computers and laptops, apparently in retaliation for the entertainment company`s comedy movie "The Interview" that parodied North Korea`s leadership. Kim Yong Chol has featured on lists of North Korean officials targeted by US&nbspTreasury sanctions, including for supporting his country`s nuclear and missiles programs and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the cyber attack. He was granted special permission to travel to the United States for meetings this week with US&nbspofficials, the State Department said. He was accused by South Korea of masterminding deadly attacks on a South Korean navy ship and an island in 2010. North Korea denied any involvement in those incidents.

In complete reversal, Trump revives summit with North Korean leader

Trump announced early Saturday morning that his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was back on.&nbsp

He made his announcement after meeting at the White House with Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol.&nbsp

Chol delivered a letter from Kim to Trump, after which Trump said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/historic-summit-with-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-is-back-on-for-june-12-in-singapore-donald-trump-141676">summit was back on</a>.&nbsp

Trump had only last week called off the summit citing "open hostility" from Kim

Trump and Kim will now be meeting — as planned earlier — on June 12 in Singapore.&nbsp

News reports said the two sides — the US and North Korea — are currently and furiously planning the summit on an island resort off Singapore.&nbsp

The reports said the discussions between the two sides are being spearheaded by the White House deputy chief of staff Joe Hagin and Kim's de-facto chief of staff, Kim Chang Son.&nbsp

One of the questions the two sides are grappling with is: Who is going to pay for Kim's hotel room?&nbsp

The reports said North Korea would like for Kim to be put up at Singapore's Fullerton hotel, described as a magnificient neoclassical hotel where just one presidential suite costs more than Rs 4 lakh a night.&nbsp

<img alt="the fullerton.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/the%20fullerton.jpg" width="770" />

(The Fullerton hotel. Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

The reports added that the US is open to paying Kim's bills but that North Korea might view that as an insult.&nbsp

The compromise that is then reportedly being worked out is that the US might ask Singapore — the host nation — to pay for Kim's room.&nbsp

North Korea would like for Kim to be put up at Singapore's Fullerton hotel, described as a magnificient neoclassical hotel where just one presidential suite costs more than Rs 4 lakh a night

Trump announced early Saturday morning that his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was back on. He made his announcement after meeting at the White House with Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol. Chol delivered a letter from Kim to Trump, after which Trump said the summit was back on. Trump had only last week called off the summit citing "open hostility" from Kim Trump and Kim will now be meeting — as planned earlier — on June 12 in Singapore. News reports said the two sides — the US and North Korea — are currently and furiously planning the summit on an island resort off Singapore. The reports said the discussions between the two sides are being spearheaded by the White House deputy chief of staff Joe Hagin and Kim's de-facto chief of staff, Kim Chang Son. One of the questions the two sides are grappling with is: Who is going to pay for Kim's hotel room? The reports said North Korea would like for Kim to be put up at Singapore's Fullerton hotel, described as a magnificient neoclassical hotel where just one presidential suite costs more than Rs 4 lakh a night. (The Fullerton hotel. Image source: Wikimedia Commons) The reports added that the US is open to paying Kim's bills but that North Korea might view that as an insult. The compromise that is then reportedly being worked out is that the US might ask Singapore — the host nation — to pay for Kim's room.

Trump says summit back on but who will pay for Kim's hotel room? 

A senior North Korean official is headed to New York to discuss an upcoming summit, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, the latest indication that an on-again-off-again meeting between Trump and North Korea's leader may go ahead next month.

"We have put a great team together for our talks with North Korea," Trump said in a Twitter post. "Meetings are currently taking place concerning Summit, and more. Kim Young (sic) Chol, the Vice Chairman of North Korea, heading now to New York. Solid response to my letter, thank you!"

Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Committee and formerly head of a top North Korean military intelligence agency, was scheduled to fly to the United States on Wednesday after speaking to Chinese officials in Beijing, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said, citing an unidentified source.

The talks indicate that planning for the unprecedented summit, initially scheduled for June 12, is moving ahead after Trump called it off last week in a letter to the North's leader, Kim Jong Un.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-says-meetings-taking-place-on-us-north-korea-summit-140683">Trump says meetings taking place on US-North Korea summit</a>

A day later, Trump, who frequently exchanged insults with Kim Jong Un before they began talking about a summit, said he had reconsidered and officials from both countries were meeting to work out details.

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We have put a great team together for our talks with North Korea. Meetings are currently taking place concerning Summit, and more. Kim Young Chol, the Vice Chairman of North Korea, heading now to New York. Solid response to my letter, thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1001410457092218880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kim Yong Chol will be the most senior North Korean official to meet top officials for talks in the United States since Jo Myong Rok, a marshal, met then-President Bill Clinton at the White House in 2000.

Kim Yong Chol coordinated the North Korean president's two meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in April and May. He and Kim Jong Un's sister were the only North Korean officials to attend the first inter-Korean summit in April alongside the North Korean leader.

Analysts believe the United States is trying to determine whether North Korea is willing to agree to sufficient steps toward getting rid of its nuclear weapons to allow a summit to take place.

Kellyanne Conway, a top adviser to Trump, told Fox News a summit might not take place on the date originally set but perhaps shortly after.

<img alt="Untitled design (2)_3.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="450" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Untitled%20design%20(2)_3.jpg" width="770" />

North Korean leader Kim's de facto chief of staff, Kim Chang Son, meanwhile, flew to Singapore, the scheduled site of the meeting, via Beijing late on Monday, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported.

At the same time, a "pre-advance" U.S. team was in Singapore to meet North Koreans.

North Korea has faced years of isolation and economic sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes since it conducted its first nuclear test in 2006.

But events have moved quickly since Kim Jong Un made a conciliatory New Year’s address at the end of last year, following months of sharply rising tension and war-like rhetoric between Trump and Kim.

Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held a surprise meeting on Saturday at the border village of Panmunjom, during which they agreed the North Korea-U.S. summit must be held.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-moon-jae-in-may-attend-us-north-korea-summit-report-140328">South Korean president Moon Jae-in may attend US-North Korea summit: Report</a>

On Sunday, the U.S. State Department said American and North Korean officials had met at Panmunjom. Sung Kim, the former U.S. ambassador to South Korea and current ambassador to the Philippines, led the U.S. delegation, an official told Reuters.

Sung Kim will meet North Korean Foreign Ministry official Choi Sun Hee again&nbsp;on Wednesday on the border, Yonhap reported, citing a diplomatic source, adding that the agenda for the Trump-Kim summit would be roughly worked out.

While likely substantive, those discussions could be upstaged by any talks between Kim Yong Chol and officials in the United States, said Evans Revere, a former senior diplomat who dealt with North Korea under U.S. President George W. Bush.

The future of North Korea's nuclear programme, which has been a source of international tension for decades, U.S. security guarantees and coordination for a Trump-Kim summit are likely to be at the top of the agenda, analysts said.

In Kim Jong Un and Moon's first meeting on April 27, they agreed to seek the "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula but did not define what that meant or how that would proceed.

Since then, North Korea has rejected U.S. demands for it to unilaterally abandon its nuclear programme, which experts say could threaten the United States.

North Korea also demanded the United States stop military exercises with South Korea, the North's Rodong Sinmun newspaper said.

South Korea's Defence Ministry said it did not have plans to change exercise schedules with the U.S. military.

North Korea defends its nuclear and missile programmes as a deterrent against what it sees as U.S. aggression. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War.

The United States and South Korea blacklisted Kim Yong Chol

for supporting the North's nuclear and missile programmes in 2010 and 2016, respectively, so a visit to the United States would indicate the U.S. government has granted him a waiver.

During his tenure as a senior intelligence official, Kim was accused by South Korea of masterminding deadly attacks on a South Korean navy ship and an island in 2010. He was linked by U.S intelligence to a cyber attack on Sony Pictures in 2014.

North Korea denied any involvement in both attacks.

The talks indicate that planning for the unprecedented summit, initially scheduled for June 12, is moving ahead after Trump called it off last week in a letter to the North's leader, Kim Jong Un

A senior North Korean official is headed to New York to discuss an upcoming summit, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, the latest indication that an on-again-off-again meeting between Trump and North Korea's leader may go ahead next month. "We have put a great team together for our talks with North Korea," Trump said in a Twitter post. "Meetings are currently taking place concerning Summit, and more. Kim Young (sic) Chol, the Vice Chairman of North Korea, heading now to New York. Solid response to my letter, thank you!" Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Committee and formerly head of a top North Korean military intelligence agency, was scheduled to fly to the United States on Wednesday after speaking to Chinese officials in Beijing, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said, citing an unidentified source. The talks indicate that planning for the unprecedented summit, initially scheduled for June 12, is moving ahead after Trump called it off last week in a letter to the North's leader, Kim Jong Un. Also read: Trump says meetings taking place on US-North Korea summit A day later, Trump, who frequently exchanged insults with Kim Jong Un before they began talking about a summit, said he had reconsidered and officials from both countries were meeting to work out details. We have put a great team together for our talks with North Korea. Meetings are currently taking place concerning Summit, and more. Kim Young Chol, the Vice Chairman of North Korea, heading now to New York. Solid response to my letter, thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2018 × Kim Yong Chol will be the most senior North Korean official to meet top officials for talks in the United States since Jo Myong Rok, a marshal, met then-President Bill Clinton at the White House in 2000. Kim Yong Chol coordinated the North Korean president's two meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in April and May. He and Kim Jong Un's sister were the only North Korean officials to attend the first inter-Korean summit in April alongside the North Korean leader. Analysts believe the United States is trying to determine whether North Korea is willing to agree to sufficient steps toward getting rid of its nuclear weapons to allow a summit to take place. Kellyanne Conway, a top adviser to Trump, told Fox News a summit might not take place on the date originally set but perhaps shortly after. North Korean leader Kim's de facto chief of staff, Kim Chang Son, meanwhile, flew to Singapore, the scheduled site of the meeting, via Beijing late on Monday, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported. At the same time, a "pre-advance" U.S. team was in Singapore to meet North Koreans. North Korea has faced years of isolation and economic sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes since it conducted its first nuclear test in 2006. But events have moved quickly since Kim Jong Un made a conciliatory New Year’s address at the end of last year, following months of sharply rising tension and war-like rhetoric between Trump and Kim. Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held a surprise meeting on Saturday at the border village of Panmunjom, during which they agreed the North Korea-U.S. summit must be held. Also read: South Korean president Moon Jae-in may attend US-North Korea summit: Report On Sunday, the U.S. State Department said American and North Korean officials had met at Panmunjom. Sung Kim, the former U.S. ambassador to South Korea and current ambassador to the Philippines, led the U.S. delegation, an official told Reuters. Sung Kim will meet North Korean Foreign Ministry official Choi Sun Hee again on Wednesday on the border, Yonhap reported, citing a diplomatic source, adding that the agenda for the Trump-Kim summit would be roughly worked out. While likely substantive, those discussions could be upstaged by any talks between Kim Yong Chol and officials in the United States, said Evans Revere, a former senior diplomat who dealt with North Korea under U.S. President George W. Bush. The future of North Korea's nuclear programme, which has been a source of international tension for decades, U.S. security guarantees and coordination for a Trump-Kim summit are likely to be at the top of the agenda, analysts said. In Kim Jong Un and Moon's first meeting on April 27, they agreed to seek the "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula but did not define what that meant or how that would proceed. Since then, North Korea has rejected U.S. demands for it to unilaterally abandon its nuclear programme, which experts say could threaten the United States. North Korea also demanded the United States stop military exercises with South Korea, the North's Rodong Sinmun newspaper said. South Korea's Defence Ministry said it did not have plans to change exercise schedules with the U.S. military. North Korea defends its nuclear and missile programmes as a deterrent against what it sees as U.S. aggression. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War. The United States and South Korea blacklisted Kim Yong Chol for supporting the North's nuclear and missile programmes in 2010 and 2016, respectively, so a visit to the United States would indicate the U.S. government has granted him a waiver. During his tenure as a senior intelligence official, Kim was accused by South Korea of masterminding deadly attacks on a South Korean navy ship and an island in 2010. He was linked by U.S intelligence to a cyber attack on Sony Pictures in 2014. North Korea denied any involvement in both attacks.

Most senior North Korean envoy to hold official talks in US in 18 years

Ahead of talks with Kim, US President Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe agreed that North Korea should completely dismantle it's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Trump and Abe spoke on the phone even as President Trump prepares to meet Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12th.

“The president and prime minister affirmed the shared imperative of achieving the complete and permanent dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile programs,” the White House said in a statement.

The dismantling of nuclear infrastructure has been the bone of contention between the US and North Korea with Kim hitting out at the US a few days ago which nearly put the June 12th summit in jeopardy, later the North Korean backed down and toned down his nuclear rhetoric.

During a telephone call, the pair “discussed recent developments in North Korea and confirmed they would meet again to continue close coordination in advance of the expected meeting between the United States and North Korea,” the White House said.

Japan, a key ally of the US, has been steadfast in its view that North Korea should work towards complete denuclearisation and has often conveyed its point of view to the US openly.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hoyHkrjUhuM" width="560"></iframe>

Trump and Abe spoke on the phone even as President Trump prepares to meet Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12th.

Ahead of talks with Kim, US President Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe agreed that North Korea should completely dismantle it's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile programs. Trump and Abe spoke on the phone even as President Trump prepares to meet Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12th. “The president and prime minister affirmed the shared imperative of achieving the complete and permanent dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile programs,” the White House said in a statement. The dismantling of nuclear infrastructure has been the bone of contention between the US and North Korea with Kim hitting out at the US a few days ago which nearly put the June 12th summit in jeopardy, later the North Korean backed down and toned down his nuclear rhetoric. During a telephone call, the pair “discussed recent developments in North Korea and confirmed they would meet again to continue close coordination in advance of the expected meeting between the United States and North Korea,” the White House said. Japan, a key ally of the US, has been steadfast in its view that North Korea should work towards complete denuclearisation and has often conveyed its point of view to the US openly.

Trump, PM Abe for permanent dismantling of North Korea’s nuclear programme: White House

Already been playing the role of mediator between the US and North Korea, South Korean president Moon Jae-in could be present in high-drama summit between the US and North Korea in June media reports said.

According to a report by BBC, South Korean officials have said that South Korean president could attend the summit. However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders.

Meanwhile, US and North Korean officials met on Sunday at a border truce village to resume the preparations for the first ever face to face summit between US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

He had called off the planned summit last week citing "open hostility", from the North.&nbsp

However, On Saturday Kim and Moon Jae-in held talks in a surprise meeting at the Panmunjom border truce village to ensure a successful US-North Korea summit.

On Friday Trump informed that it is back on track and it would take place on an originally scheduled date and place.

Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang.

President Moon Jae-in had to scramble his national security team when news of Trump's decision first reached Seoul late Thursday evening as he called Washington's U-turn "shocking and very regrettable".

(With inputs from news agencies)

 
&nbsp

However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders

Already been playing the role of mediator between the US and North Korea, South Korean president Moon Jae-in could be present in high-drama summit between the US and North Korea in June media reports said. According to a report by BBC, South Korean officials have said that South Korean president could attend the summit. However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders. Meanwhile, US and North Korean officials met on Sunday at a border truce village to resume the preparations for the first ever face to face summit between US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He had called off the planned summit last week citing "open hostility", from the North. However, On Saturday Kim and Moon Jae-in held talks in a surprise meeting at the Panmunjom border truce village to ensure a successful US-North Korea summit. On Friday Trump informed that it is back on track and it would take place on an originally scheduled date and place. Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang. President Moon Jae-in had to scramble his national security team when news of Trump's decision first reached Seoul late Thursday evening as he called Washington's U-turn "shocking and very regrettable". (With inputs from news agencies)

South Korean president Moon Jae-in may attend US-North Korea summit: Report

US and North Korean officials met Sunday at a border truce village as preparations resumed for a high-stakes, high-drama summit that President Donald Trump said held "brilliant potential" for the North.

"I truly believe North Korea has brilliant potential and will be a great economic and financial Nation one day," Trump said on Twitter.&nbsp

"Kim Jong Un agrees with me on this. It will happen!," the president said, confirming that a US team "has arrived in North Korea to make arrangements for the summit" between himself and North Korean leader Kim.

His upbeat language contrasted sharply to that of only three days earlier, when Trump canceled the planned summit, citing "open hostility" from the North. An extraordinary flurry of diplomacy since then -- much of it led by South Korea -- appears to have put the meeting back on track.

Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in met Saturday at the Panmunjom border truce village, in a surprise bid to salvage the June 12 summit planned for Singapore.

Announcing the lower-level talks held Sunday, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said, "We continue to prepare for a meeting between the President and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un."&nbsp

The Washington Post reported that the US delegation to the Panmunjom meeting -- in the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea -- was led by Sung Kim, a former US ambassador to South Korea and former nuclear negotiator with the North. It said the Americans met with North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.

The United States currently has no ambassador to South Korea, even as it takes up one of the most delicate diplomatic challenges in years.

It remains far from clear how Trump and Kim might be able to bridge what appear to be vast differences in their expectations for what would be a historic meeting. But analysts on Sunday expressed increasing confidence that it will take place. &nbsp

Days of brinkmanship

The apparent progress in the on-again-off-again talks followed a tense and turbulent few days of diplomatic brinkmanship.

Within 24 hours of cancelling the summit Trump reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials.

"It's moving along very nicely," Trump said at the White House on Saturday. "We're looking at June 12 in Singapore. That hasn't changed."

Trump's abrupt decision to pull out of the historic get-together had blindsided South Korea and Moon, who had been brokering a remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang in a bid to avoid a devastating conflict.

But Trump accompanied the cancellation with a letter to Kim that mixed tough language with an almost beseeching plea to get things back on track. Some critics mocked the letter's tone, but it may have achieved the desired result.

Kim 'met his match'

James Clapper, director of US national intelligence under former president Barack Obama, told CNN: "I support the letter that President Trump sent... In some ways, Kim Jong Un may have met his match here with our very unconventional president."&nbsp

Victor Cha, who was President George W. Bush's top advisor on North Korea and was briefly expected to get Trump's nod as ambassador to South Korea, said Sunday he was now confident the summit will take place.

"The summit's going forward" despite the unusually rushed pace of diplomacy and series of turnabouts.

The Moon and Trump administrations very much want the meeting, he said, "and Kim says he wants a summit, so it's going to happen."

There are still stark differences between what the two sides hope to achieve.

Washington wants North Korea to quickly give up all its nuclear weapons in a verifiable way in return for sanctions and economic relief.&nbsp

Pyongyang has a different view of denuclearization and remains deeply worried that abandoning its deterrent would leave the country -- and its leader -- vulnerable, especially while the United States maintains a robust military presence in South Korea.

Kim "has almost an emotional attachment and a personal psychological attachment to these nuclear weapons," US Senator Marco Rubio said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "They make him feel prestigious, they make him feel powerful."

Rubio said he was extremely skeptical that Kim might actually give up his nuclear arsenal.&nbsp

If Trump is unable to negotiate those weapons away and unwilling to live in a world where North Korea poses a nuclear threat, then "you're going to have to do something to go after them at some point," the senator said.

"It's not something that I relish or take lightly," Rubio said.

US and North Korean officials met Sunday at a border truce village as preparations resumed for a high-stakes, high-drama summit that President Donald Trump said held 'brilliant potential' for the North

US and North Korean officials met Sunday at a border truce village as preparations resumed for a high-stakes, high-drama summit that President Donald Trump said held "brilliant potential" for the North. "I truly believe North Korea has brilliant potential and will be a great economic and financial Nation one day," Trump said on Twitter. "Kim Jong Un agrees with me on this. It will happen!," the president said, confirming that a US team "has arrived in North Korea to make arrangements for the summit" between himself and North Korean leader Kim. His upbeat language contrasted sharply to that of only three days earlier, when Trump canceled the planned summit, citing "open hostility" from the North. An extraordinary flurry of diplomacy since then -- much of it led by South Korea -- appears to have put the meeting back on track. Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in met Saturday at the Panmunjom border truce village, in a surprise bid to salvage the June 12 summit planned for Singapore. Announcing the lower-level talks held Sunday, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said, "We continue to prepare for a meeting between the President and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un." The Washington Post reported that the US delegation to the Panmunjom meeting -- in the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea -- was led by Sung Kim, a former US ambassador to South Korea and former nuclear negotiator with the North. It said the Americans met with North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. The United States currently has no ambassador to South Korea, even as it takes up one of the most delicate diplomatic challenges in years. It remains far from clear how Trump and Kim might be able to bridge what appear to be vast differences in their expectations for what would be a historic meeting. But analysts on Sunday expressed increasing confidence that it will take place. Days of brinkmanship The apparent progress in the on-again-off-again talks followed a tense and turbulent few days of diplomatic brinkmanship. Within 24 hours of cancelling the summit Trump reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials. "It's moving along very nicely," Trump said at the White House on Saturday. "We're looking at June 12 in Singapore. That hasn't changed." Trump's abrupt decision to pull out of the historic get-together had blindsided South Korea and Moon, who had been brokering a remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang in a bid to avoid a devastating conflict. But Trump accompanied the cancellation with a letter to Kim that mixed tough language with an almost beseeching plea to get things back on track. Some critics mocked the letter's tone, but it may have achieved the desired result. Kim 'met his match' James Clapper, director of US national intelligence under former president Barack Obama, told CNN: "I support the letter that President Trump sent... In some ways, Kim Jong Un may have met his match here with our very unconventional president." Victor Cha, who was President George W. Bush's top advisor on North Korea and was briefly expected to get Trump's nod as ambassador to South Korea, said Sunday he was now confident the summit will take place. "The summit's going forward" despite the unusually rushed pace of diplomacy and series of turnabouts. The Moon and Trump administrations very much want the meeting, he said, "and Kim says he wants a summit, so it's going to happen." There are still stark differences between what the two sides hope to achieve. Washington wants North Korea to quickly give up all its nuclear weapons in a verifiable way in return for sanctions and economic relief. Pyongyang has a different view of denuclearization and remains deeply worried that abandoning its deterrent would leave the country -- and its leader -- vulnerable, especially while the United States maintains a robust military presence in South Korea. Kim "has almost an emotional attachment and a personal psychological attachment to these nuclear weapons," US Senator Marco Rubio said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "They make him feel prestigious, they make him feel powerful." Rubio said he was extremely skeptical that Kim might actually give up his nuclear arsenal. If Trump is unable to negotiate those weapons away and unwilling to live in a world where North Korea poses a nuclear threat, then "you're going to have to do something to go after them at some point," the senator said. "It's not something that I relish or take lightly," Rubio said.

Trump sees 'brilliant potential' for North Korea as summit prep continues

Plans for a landmark summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un are moving "very nicely", US President Donald Trump said Sunday, as the South's leader said Kim told him the talks would be a historic opportunity to end decades of confrontation.

The latest conciliatory declarations capped a turbulent few days of diplomatic brinkmanship on the Korean Peninsula that had sent tensions soaring.

Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling a planned June 12 meeting with Kim in Singapore, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang.

But within 24 hours he reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials.

"It's moving along very nicely," Trump told reporters late Saturday when asked for an update. "We're looking at June 12 in Singapore. That hasn't changed."

Trump's unpredictability sparked a sudden and surprise meeting on Saturday between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in -- only the fourth time leaders from the two countries have ever met -- as they scrambled to get the talks back on track.

Pictures showed them shaking hands and embracing on the North Korean side of the Demilitarised Zone separating the two nations.

Moon said Kim reached out to him to arrange the hasty meeting "without any formality". There the North Korean leader described the Singapore summit as a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation.

"He... expressed his intention to put an end to the history of war and confrontation through the success of the North-US summit and to cooperate for peace and prosperity," Moon told reporters in Seoul on Sunday.

Pyongyang's state-run KCNA news agency said Kim "expressed his fixed will on the historic DPRK-US summit talks", using the official abbreviation for North Korea.

Kim said the two Koreas should "positively cooperate with each other as ever to improve the DPRK-US&nbsprelations and establish mechanism for permanent and durable peace," KCNA added, saying South and North Korea would hold another round of "high-level" talks on June 1.

Shaky detente

Trump's original decision to abandon the historic summit initially blindsided South Korea, which had been brokering a remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang and is desperate to avoid conflict breaking out.

However, there was a further signal of progress Saturday as White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed a team of US officials was leaving for Singapore "in order to prepare should the summit take place".

Last year, Trump and Kim were trading war threats and insults after Pyongyang tested its most powerful nuclear weapon to date and missiles it said were capable of reaching the US mainland.

Tensions were calmed after Kim extended an olive branch by offering to send a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea, sparking a rapid detente that led to Trump agreeing to hold direct talks with Pyongyang.

Moon won the election last year partly by vowing to be open to dialogue with the North and finding a solution to a Cold War-era sore that continues to blight the region.

The flurry of diplomatic backslapping and bonhomie disappeared in recent weeks as the summit was thrown into doubt by increasingly bellicose rhetoric from both top US administration officials and Pyongyang.

There are still stark differences between what the two sides hope to achieve.

Washington wants North Korea to give up all its nukes in a verifiable way as quickly as possible in return for sanctions and economic relief.

Pyongyang has a different view of what denuclearisation might look like and remains deeply worried that abandoning that deterrent would leave the country vulnerable to regime change.

"Kim stressed again that he had a firm determination towards complete denuclearisation," Moon told reporters Sunday.

"The thing he was uncertain about was not denuclearisation but concerns on whether he could trust that the US would end its hostile policy and guarantee the security of his regime when the North denuclearises itself."

Back on track

Saturday's meeting between Moon and Kim took place on the North Korean side of Panmunjom, a heavily fortified village that lies between the two countries where the 1953 armistice was signed.

Only last month, the two leaders met in the same village, with Kim famously inviting Moon to step briefly into the North before they both held talks in a building on the South's side.

Kim Yong-hyun, professor of North Korea studies at Dongguk University in Seoul, said Moon and Kim moved quickly to defuse the crisis after Trump's shock cancellation.

"Moon essentially helped relay messages from Trump to Kim and vice versa, to further smooth the process and to resume negotiations," he told AFP, saying the Singapore meeting was "clearly back on track".

Unlike last month's summit, which was held in front of live TV cameras, Saturday's meeting took place in utmost secrecy, with reporters only told later that the face-to-face had taken place.

Footage released by the Blue House on Twitter, accompanied by a dramatic orchestral score, showed Moon arriving in a convoy of cars and first shaking hands with Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong, who has played a major public role in recent talks with the South.

Plans for a landmark summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un are moving 'very nicely', US President Donald Trump said Sunday

Plans for a landmark summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un are moving "very nicely", US President Donald Trump said Sunday, as the South's leader said Kim told him the talks would be a historic opportunity to end decades of confrontation. The latest conciliatory declarations capped a turbulent few days of diplomatic brinkmanship on the Korean Peninsula that had sent tensions soaring. Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling a planned June 12 meeting with Kim in Singapore, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang. But within 24 hours he reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials. "It's moving along very nicely," Trump told reporters late Saturday when asked for an update. "We're looking at June 12 in Singapore. That hasn't changed." Trump's unpredictability sparked a sudden and surprise meeting on Saturday between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in -- only the fourth time leaders from the two countries have ever met -- as they scrambled to get the talks back on track. Pictures showed them shaking hands and embracing on the North Korean side of the Demilitarised Zone separating the two nations. Moon said Kim reached out to him to arrange the hasty meeting "without any formality". There the North Korean leader described the Singapore summit as a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation. "He... expressed his intention to put an end to the history of war and confrontation through the success of the North-US summit and to cooperate for peace and prosperity," Moon told reporters in Seoul on Sunday. Pyongyang's state-run KCNA news agency said Kim "expressed his fixed will on the historic DPRK-US summit talks", using the official abbreviation for North Korea. Kim said the two Koreas should "positively cooperate with each other as ever to improve the DPRK-US&nbsprelations and establish mechanism for permanent and durable peace," KCNA added, saying South and North Korea would hold another round of "high-level" talks on June 1. Shaky detente Trump's original decision to abandon the historic summit initially blindsided South Korea, which had been brokering a remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang and is desperate to avoid conflict breaking out. However, there was a further signal of progress Saturday as White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed a team of US officials was leaving for Singapore "in order to prepare should the summit take place". Last year, Trump and Kim were trading war threats and insults after Pyongyang tested its most powerful nuclear weapon to date and missiles it said were capable of reaching the US mainland. Tensions were calmed after Kim extended an olive branch by offering to send a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea, sparking a rapid detente that led to Trump agreeing to hold direct talks with Pyongyang. Moon won the election last year partly by vowing to be open to dialogue with the North and finding a solution to a Cold War-era sore that continues to blight the region. The flurry of diplomatic backslapping and bonhomie disappeared in recent weeks as the summit was thrown into doubt by increasingly bellicose rhetoric from both top US administration officials and Pyongyang. There are still stark differences between what the two sides hope to achieve. Washington wants North Korea to give up all its nukes in a verifiable way as quickly as possible in return for sanctions and economic relief. Pyongyang has a different view of what denuclearisation might look like and remains deeply worried that abandoning that deterrent would leave the country vulnerable to regime change. "Kim stressed again that he had a firm determination towards complete denuclearisation," Moon told reporters Sunday. "The thing he was uncertain about was not denuclearisation but concerns on whether he could trust that the US would end its hostile policy and guarantee the security of his regime when the North denuclearises itself." Back on track Saturday's meeting between Moon and Kim took place on the North Korean side of Panmunjom, a heavily fortified village that lies between the two countries where the 1953 armistice was signed. Only last month, the two leaders met in the same village, with Kim famously inviting Moon to step briefly into the North before they both held talks in a building on the South's side. Kim Yong-hyun, professor of North Korea studies at Dongguk University in Seoul, said Moon and Kim moved quickly to defuse the crisis after Trump's shock cancellation. "Moon essentially helped relay messages from Trump to Kim and vice versa, to further smooth the process and to resume negotiations," he told AFP, saying the Singapore meeting was "clearly back on track". Unlike last month's summit, which was held in front of live TV cameras, Saturday's meeting took place in utmost secrecy, with reporters only told later that the face-to-face had taken place. Footage released by the Blue House on Twitter, accompanied by a dramatic orchestral score, showed Moon arriving in a convoy of cars and first shaking hands with Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong, who has played a major public role in recent talks with the South.

Trump and Kim raise summit hopes after days of brinkmanship

Kim Jong Un believes a summit with US President Donald Trump will be a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Sunday following his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/korean-leaders-vow-to-meet-frequently-in-the-future-report-140040"> surprise meeting with the North Korean leader</a>.

"He (Kim) also expressed his intention to put an end to the history of war and confrontation through the success of the North-US summit and to cooperate for peace and prosperity," Moon told reporters, adding both he and Kim agreed to meet or talk in person "if necessary".

Moon and Kim held a surprise summit in the Demilitarised Zone separating their two nations on Saturday in a scramble to save a slated June 12 summit between North Korea and the United States in the city-state of Singapore.

Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling his meeting with Kim, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang.

But within 24 hours he reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials.

During his two hour meeting with Kim, Moon said he urged both Washington and Pyongyang "to remove misunderstandings through direct communication and to have sufficient dialogue in advance through working-level negotiations on the agendas to be agreed upon at the summit".

"Chairman Kim agreed on that," he added.

Moon said the Pyongyang regime reaffirmed its commitment to give up its nuclear weapons but had its own security concerns if it took that step.

"Kim stressed again that he had a firm determination towards complete denuclearisation," the South Korean president added.

"The thing he was uncertain about was not denuclearisation but concerns on whether he could trust that the US would end its hostile policy and guarantee the security of his regime when the North denuclearises itself."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-still-sees-june-12-singapore-summit-with-kim-140048">Talks with North Korea on summit going 'very well': US President Donald Trump</a>

Moon and Kim held a surprise summit in the Demilitarised Zone separating their two nations on Saturday in a scramble to save a slated June 12 summit.

Kim Jong Un believes a summit with US President Donald Trump will be a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Sunday following his surprise meeting with the North Korean leader. "He (Kim) also expressed his intention to put an end to the history of war and confrontation through the success of the North-US summit and to cooperate for peace and prosperity," Moon told reporters, adding both he and Kim agreed to meet or talk in person "if necessary". Moon and Kim held a surprise summit in the Demilitarised Zone separating their two nations on Saturday in a scramble to save a slated June 12 summit between North Korea and the United States in the city-state of Singapore. Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling his meeting with Kim, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang. But within 24 hours he reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials. During his two hour meeting with Kim, Moon said he urged both Washington and Pyongyang "to remove misunderstandings through direct communication and to have sufficient dialogue in advance through working-level negotiations on the agendas to be agreed upon at the summit". "Chairman Kim agreed on that," he added. Moon said the Pyongyang regime reaffirmed its commitment to give up its nuclear weapons but had its own security concerns if it took that step. "Kim stressed again that he had a firm determination towards complete denuclearisation," the South Korean president added. "The thing he was uncertain about was not denuclearisation but concerns on whether he could trust that the US would end its hostile policy and guarantee the security of his regime when the North denuclearises itself." Also read: Talks with North Korea on summit going 'very well': US President Donald Trump

Kim Jong Un hopes Trump summit will 'end history of confrontation': South Korea president

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving "very nicely" towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"It's moving along very nicely," Trump said at the White House during a meeting with a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/american-wife-freed-from-venezuela-jail-arrive-in-us-senator-140044"> US prisoner freed by Venezuela</a>.

"We're looking at June 12 in Singapore. It hasn't changed.

Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling his June 12 meeting with Kim in the Southeast Asian city-state, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang.

But within 24 hours he reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials.

"There are meetings going on as we speak," Trump said. "I think there's a lot of goodwill."

His comments came after North Korea said Kim was "fixed" on holding the summit with Trump, raising hopes the historic meeting might still take place after a turbulent few days of diplomatic brinkmanship.

The latest conciliatory declaration from Pyongyang came as the White House confirmed it was sending a team to Singapore to prepare for the talks -- a further signal that both sides were moving to cool tensions following a rollercoaster few days on the Korean Peninsula.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-met-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-saturday-seoul-139956">South Korean president met North Korea's Kim Jong-un Saturday</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/korean-leaders-vow-to-meet-frequently-in-the-future-report-140040">Korean leaders vow to 'meet frequently in the future': Report</a>

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving 'very nicely' towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving "very nicely" towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "It's moving along very nicely," Trump said at the White House during a meeting with a US prisoner freed by Venezuela. "We're looking at June 12 in Singapore. It hasn't changed. Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling his June 12 meeting with Kim in the Southeast Asian city-state, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang. But within 24 hours he reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials. "There are meetings going on as we speak," Trump said. "I think there's a lot of goodwill." His comments came after North Korea said Kim was "fixed" on holding the summit with Trump, raising hopes the historic meeting might still take place after a turbulent few days of diplomatic brinkmanship. The latest conciliatory declaration from Pyongyang came as the White House confirmed it was sending a team to Singapore to prepare for the talks -- a further signal that both sides were moving to cool tensions following a rollercoaster few days on the Korean Peninsula. Also read: South Korean president met North Korea's Kim Jong-un Saturday Also read: Korean leaders vow to 'meet frequently in the future': Report

Talks with North Korea on summit going 'very well': US President Donald Trump

North Korea on Sunday disputed reports which said that North Korea is seeking economic assistance from the United States in exchange for complete denuclearisation.&nbsp;

The incumbent Workers' Party's official newspaper Rodong Sinmun said that Fox News TV, CBS and CNN were as impudent as to make rubbish that if North Korea meets the requirements of the U.S., it can get 'large-scale non-governmental economic aid,'" Yonhap quoted.

Agitated North claims that it is the US that asked for Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)-US talks first and as far as the economic aid is concerned, the DPRK has never asked for it.

This newspaper controversy came after the US President Donald Trump cancelled the meeting with North Korean Supreme leader Kim Jong-Un scheduled for June 12 in Singapore. Trump later changed his statement saying, the summit would go ahead as planned.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving "very nicely" towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"It's moving along very nicely," Trump said at the White House during a meeting with a US prisoner freed by Venezuela.

"We're looking at June 12 in Singapore. It hasn't changed.

Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling his June 12 meeting with Kim in the Southeast Asian city-state, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang.'

Also, South Korean President Moon Jae-in met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Saturday to discuss Kim's possible upcoming summit with US President Donald Trump, the South said in the second inter-Korean summit in as many months.

Moon and Kim met just north of the heavily militarised border in the afternoon to exchange views to pave way for a summit between North Korea and the United States, South Korea's presidential office said.

The Blue House, South Korea's presidential office, said the two leaders held talks for two hours in the truce village of Panmunjom, where they had met last month and made a declaration vowing to improve ties.

"They exchanged views and discussed ways to implement the Panmunjom Declaration and to ensure a successful US North Korea summit," the Blue House said in a statement, adding further details would be released Sunday morning.

This newspaper controversy came after the US President Donald Trump cancelled the meeting with North Korean Supreme leader Kim Jong-Un scheduled for June 12 in Singapore. Trump later changed his statement saying, the summit would go ahead as planned

North Korea on Sunday disputed reports which said that North Korea is seeking economic assistance from the United States in exchange for complete denuclearisation. The incumbent Workers' Party's official newspaper Rodong Sinmun said that Fox News TV, CBS and CNN were as impudent as to make rubbish that if North Korea meets the requirements of the U.S., it can get 'large-scale non-governmental economic aid,'" Yonhap quoted. Agitated North claims that it is the US that asked for Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)-US talks first and as far as the economic aid is concerned, the DPRK has never asked for it. This newspaper controversy came after the US President Donald Trump cancelled the meeting with North Korean Supreme leader Kim Jong-Un scheduled for June 12 in Singapore. Trump later changed his statement saying, the summit would go ahead as planned. US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving "very nicely" towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "It's moving along very nicely," Trump said at the White House during a meeting with a US prisoner freed by Venezuela. "We're looking at June 12 in Singapore. It hasn't changed. Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling his June 12 meeting with Kim in the Southeast Asian city-state, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang.' Also, South Korean President Moon Jae-in met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Saturday to discuss Kim's possible upcoming summit with US President Donald Trump, the South said in the second inter-Korean summit in as many months. Moon and Kim met just north of the heavily militarised border in the afternoon to exchange views to pave way for a summit between North Korea and the United States, South Korea's presidential office said. The Blue House, South Korea's presidential office, said the two leaders held talks for two hours in the truce village of Panmunjom, where they had met last month and made a declaration vowing to improve ties. "They exchanged views and discussed ways to implement the Panmunjom Declaration and to ensure a successful US North Korea summit," the Blue House said in a statement, adding further details would be released Sunday morning.

North Korea refutes reports saying it's seeking economic help from US

North Korea responded on Friday with measured tones to US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision to call off a historic summit with leader Kim Jong Un scheduled for next month, saying Pyongyang hoped for a "Trump-style solution" to resolve the standoff over its nuclear weapons programme.

On Thursday, Trump wrote a letter to Kim to announce his withdrawal from what would have been the first-ever meeting between a serving US&nbsp;president and a North Korean leader in Singapore on June 12.

"Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it would be inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting," Trump wrote.

Trump's announcement came after repeated threats by North Korea to pull out of the summit over what it saw as confrontational remarks by US&nbsp;officials.

Friday's response by North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan was more conciliatory, specifically praising Trump's efforts.

"We had hoped a 'Trump-style solution' would be a wise way to relieve worries from both sides, meet our demands and realistically resolve problems," he said in a Korean language statement carried by state media, without elaborating.

North Korea has sharply criticised suggestions by senior US&nbsp;officials - including Vice President Mike Pence - that it could share the fate of Libya if it did not swiftly surrender its nuclear arsenal. Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and murdered by NATO-backed militants after halting his nascent nuclear programme.

Kim Kye Gwan said such criticisms had only been a "protest" against American rhetoric, and that it showed the need for talks with Washington.

"To announce the summit is cancelled was a surprise for us and we couldn’t help but feel it was a deep shame," Kim Kye Gwan said, while noting that North Korea remained open to resolving issues with Washington "at any time in any way."

Nuclear site decommissioned

Trump's letter came just after North Korea announced it had completely dismantled its Punggye-ri nuclear test facility "to ensure the transparency of discontinuance of nuclear test".

With Trump saying he is keeping the door open to diplomacy and North Korea apparently still looking to benefit from a thaw with South Korea, such steps could be constrained - or at least tempered - by a mutual desire to keep things from spiralling out of control.

But with a new exchange of super-charged rhetoric driving the United States and North Korea from the negotiating table, there is growing concern that words could be matched with action, including renewed shorter-range missile tests or stepped-up cyber attacks by Pyongyang and increased sanctions or deployment of new military assets by Washington, analysts said.

Trump, in scrapping the June 12 summit in Singapore, sounded a bellicose note, warning Kim of the United States' greater nuclear might, reminiscent of the president's tweet last year asserting that he had a “much bigger” nuclear button than Kim.

Speaking later, Trump said the US&nbsp;military stood ready if Kim were to take any "foolish" action.

Asked if the summit cancellation increased the risk of war, Trump replied: "We'll see what happens."

He said the United States would continue its "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who worked hard to help set up the summit and urged Trump at a White House meeting on Tuesday not to let a rare opportunity slip away, said he was "perplexed" by the cancellation. He urged Trump and Kim to talk directly.

Pyongyang had not responded in recent days to queries by the United States as it tried to prepare logistics for a June 12 leaders' summit, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a Senate hearing.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said Tokyo understands Trump’s decision to cancel the Singapore summit, Kyodo News reported.

“It’s meaningless to have talks that don’t achieve results,” Kono told reporters on a visit to Mexico City, the news agency said.

Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera also played down the significance of the cancelled meeting.

"The important thing is not the US-North Korea meeting itself, but that the meeting becomes an opportunity to move forward in the issues of denuclearisation and abductions," he told reporters in Toyko.

The news of the cancelled summit prompted a deluge of derisory comments on Twitter, including many about the now discounted commemorative coin pre-minted for the occasion.

The "President Trump United States and Korea Summit" coin, which was the "deal of the day" at the White House Gift Shop on Thursday, shows gold embossed images of Trump and Kim facing each other with a montage of their countries' flags in the background. Kim's title is designated as "Supreme Leader".

&nbsp;

Trump's letter came just after North Korea announced it had completely dismantled its Punggye-ri nuclear test facility

North Korea responded on Friday with measured tones to US President Donald Trump's decision to call off a historic summit with leader Kim Jong Un scheduled for next month, saying Pyongyang hoped for a "Trump-style solution" to resolve the standoff over its nuclear weapons programme. On Thursday, Trump wrote a letter to Kim to announce his withdrawal from what would have been the first-ever meeting between a serving US president and a North Korean leader in Singapore on June 12. "Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it would be inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting," Trump wrote. Trump's announcement came after repeated threats by North Korea to pull out of the summit over what it saw as confrontational remarks by US officials. Friday's response by North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan was more conciliatory, specifically praising Trump's efforts. "We had hoped a 'Trump-style solution' would be a wise way to relieve worries from both sides, meet our demands and realistically resolve problems," he said in a Korean language statement carried by state media, without elaborating. North Korea has sharply criticised suggestions by senior US officials - including Vice President Mike Pence - that it could share the fate of Libya if it did not swiftly surrender its nuclear arsenal. Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and murdered by NATO-backed militants after halting his nascent nuclear programme. Kim Kye Gwan said such criticisms had only been a "protest" against American rhetoric, and that it showed the need for talks with Washington. "To announce the summit is cancelled was a surprise for us and we couldn’t help but feel it was a deep shame," Kim Kye Gwan said, while noting that North Korea remained open to resolving issues with Washington "at any time in any way." Nuclear site decommissioned Trump's letter came just after North Korea announced it had completely dismantled its Punggye-ri nuclear test facility "to ensure the transparency of discontinuance of nuclear test". With Trump saying he is keeping the door open to diplomacy and North Korea apparently still looking to benefit from a thaw with South Korea, such steps could be constrained - or at least tempered - by a mutual desire to keep things from spiralling out of control. But with a new exchange of super-charged rhetoric driving the United States and North Korea from the negotiating table, there is growing concern that words could be matched with action, including renewed shorter-range missile tests or stepped-up cyber attacks by Pyongyang and increased sanctions or deployment of new military assets by Washington, analysts said. Trump, in scrapping the June 12 summit in Singapore, sounded a bellicose note, warning Kim of the United States' greater nuclear might, reminiscent of the president's tweet last year asserting that he had a “much bigger” nuclear button than Kim. Speaking later, Trump said the US military stood ready if Kim were to take any "foolish" action. Asked if the summit cancellation increased the risk of war, Trump replied: "We'll see what happens." He said the United States would continue its "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who worked hard to help set up the summit and urged Trump at a White House meeting on Tuesday not to let a rare opportunity slip away, said he was "perplexed" by the cancellation. He urged Trump and Kim to talk directly. Pyongyang had not responded in recent days to queries by the United States as it tried to prepare logistics for a June 12 leaders' summit, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a Senate hearing. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said Tokyo understands Trump’s decision to cancel the Singapore summit, Kyodo News reported. “It’s meaningless to have talks that don’t achieve results,” Kono told reporters on a visit to Mexico City, the news agency said. Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera also played down the significance of the cancelled meeting. "The important thing is not the US-North Korea meeting itself, but that the meeting becomes an opportunity to move forward in the issues of denuclearisation and abductions," he told reporters in Toyko. The news of the cancelled summit prompted a deluge of derisory comments on Twitter, including many about the now discounted commemorative coin pre-minted for the occasion. The "President Trump United States and Korea Summit" coin, which was the "deal of the day" at the White House Gift Shop on Thursday, shows gold embossed images of Trump and Kim facing each other with a montage of their countries' flags in the background. Kim's title is designated as "Supreme Leader".

'Trump-style solution'? North Korea says still open to talks after summit cancelled

The latest development in Trump-Kim summit has reduced the price of the 'commemorative coin'&nbsp;to $19 which was earlier set at $25.

The coin is available for buyers at the White House gift shop. On Thursday, the gift shop was offering the coin at $19 under the "Deal of the day" offer.&nbsp;

In a bid to mint strong ties with the Kim Jong-Un regime, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-trump-administration-releases-commemorative-coin-ahead-of-us-n-korea-summit-138824">Trump administration released the 'Trip Coin'</a> last week, before Trump called off the summit which was scheduled to take place in Singapore on June 12.

The coin has 'Peace Talks' inscribed on it along with the image of both the leaders, facing each other, against the backdrop of the US and the North Korean flag.&nbsp;

Trump cancelled the June 12 meeting citing Pyongyang's "open hostility" even after North Korea followed through on a pledge to blow up tunnels at its nuclear test site.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-style-solution-north-korea-says-still-open-to-talks-after-summit-cancelled-139544">'Trump-style solution'? North Korea says still open to talks after summit cancelled</a> 
&nbsp;

The coin is available for buyers at the White House gift shop

The latest development in Trump-Kim summit has reduced the price of the 'commemorative coin' to $19 which was earlier set at $25. The coin is available for buyers at the White House gift shop. On Thursday, the gift shop was offering the coin at $19 under the "Deal of the day" offer. In a bid to mint strong ties with the Kim Jong-Un regime, the Trump administration released the 'Trip Coin' last week, before Trump called off the summit which was scheduled to take place in Singapore on June 12. The coin has 'Peace Talks' inscribed on it along with the image of both the leaders, facing each other, against the backdrop of the US and the North Korean flag. Trump cancelled the June 12 meeting citing Pyongyang's "open hostility" even after North Korea followed through on a pledge to blow up tunnels at its nuclear test site. Also read: 'Trump-style solution'? North Korea says still open to talks after summit cancelled

Commemorative 'trip coin' prices drop to $19 as Trump calls off North Korea summit

North Korea called US Vice-President Mike Pence "ignorant and stupid" for his warnings over a planned summit with Donald Trump, renewing a threat to cancel as the US president said the fate of the historic talks will be decided next week.

Trump is due to meet his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong-Un in Singapore on June 12 for high stakes talks aimed at ridding the reclusive state of its newly acquired nuclear weapons and improving ties after decades of animosity.

The summit announcement came after months of unusually cordial diplomacy between the historic foes brokered by South Korea.

But the newfound bonhomie and the meeting's potential success has been thrown into doubt in recent days with both Washington and Pyongyang raising the prospect of cancelling the talks and trading threats.

The latest broadside from North Korea came Thursday with vice-minister of Foreign Affairs Choe Son Hui lambasting a Monday media interview in which Pence warned Kim Jong Un that it would be a "great mistake" to try and play Trump.

Pence also said North Korea could end up like Libya, whose former leader Moamer Khadafi was killed by US-backed rebels years after giving up atomic weapons, "if Kim Jong Un doesn't make a deal".

"I cannot suppress my surprise at such ignorant and stupid remarks gushing out from the mouth of the US vice-president," Choe said in a statement released by the state-run KCNA news agency.

"We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," she said, adding she would recommend Kim cancel the talks if Washington continues to make such threats.

Similar comments comparing North Korea to Libya from Trump's hawkish National Security Advisor John Bolton caused the first threat by Pyongyang last week to cancel the Singapore meeting.

"Whether the US will meet us at a meeting room or encounter us at nuclear-to-nuclear showdown is entirely dependent upon the decision and behaviour of the United States," she added.

AIDES HEAD TO SINGAPORE

Politically, Trump has invested heavily in the success of the planned summit, and so privately most US officials, as well as outside observers, believe it will go ahead.

Hand-picked aides -- including deputy chief of staff Joe Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel -- are travelling to the Southeast Asian city-state designated to host the summit, officials said.

They are expected to meet their North Korean counterparts and iron out details of the meeting.

But Trump has also become increasingly lukewarm about meeting Kim, teasing his commitment to talks as keenly as any of his "The Apprentice" season finales.

"On Singapore, we'll see. It could very well happen," he said Wednesday, adding cryptically: "Whatever it is, we'll know next week."

Trump enthusiastically embraced the idea of talks earlier this year -- the first-ever meeting between a US president and a leader of North Korea.

But as the date draws nearer, the yawning gulf in expectations between the two sides is coming into sharp relief.

Washington has made it clear it wants to see the "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation" of the North.

But Pyongyang has vowed it will never give up its nuclear deterrence until it feels safe from what it terms US aggression.

Some analysts have suggested both sides still want to meet in Singapore but are playing hardball in the run up to the summit to leverage a better negotiation position.

PR BATTLE

Ostensibly the Trump-Kim talks will be about peace on the Korean peninsula and North Korea's nuclear and ballistic weapons.

But even before talk of test freezes, decommissioning or inspections, Washington and Pyongyang are engaged in a public relations battle.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo -- who has met personally with Kim -- said whether the summit goes ahead is now up to North Korea.

"That decision will ultimately be up to Chairman Kim," he told the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday. "He asked for the meeting, the president agreed to meet with him. I'm very hopeful that that meeting will take place."

His remarks reflect an effort to perhaps lay the groundwork for blame should the talks fail.

As part of its own charm offensive, North Korea invited some foreign journalists to witness the slated destruction of the isolated regime's nuclear test site.

The gesture, which experts agree would do little to curb North Korea's long-term nuclear capabilities, is meant to signal that the regime is serious about change.

Pyongyang said it planned to "completely" destroy the Punggye-ri facility in the country's northeast when it made the surprise announcement earlier this month.&nbsp;

The demolition is due to take place sometime between Thursday and Friday, depending on the weather.

Pence had warned Kim Jong Un in an interview that it would be a 'great mistake' to try and play Trump

North Korea called US Vice-President Mike Pence "ignorant and stupid" for his warnings over a planned summit with Donald Trump, renewing a threat to cancel as the US president said the fate of the historic talks will be decided next week. Trump is due to meet his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong-Un in Singapore on June 12 for high stakes talks aimed at ridding the reclusive state of its newly acquired nuclear weapons and improving ties after decades of animosity. The summit announcement came after months of unusually cordial diplomacy between the historic foes brokered by South Korea. But the newfound bonhomie and the meeting's potential success has been thrown into doubt in recent days with both Washington and Pyongyang raising the prospect of cancelling the talks and trading threats. The latest broadside from North Korea came Thursday with vice-minister of Foreign Affairs Choe Son Hui lambasting a Monday media interview in which Pence warned Kim Jong Un that it would be a "great mistake" to try and play Trump. Pence also said North Korea could end up like Libya, whose former leader Moamer Khadafi was killed by US-backed rebels years after giving up atomic weapons, "if Kim Jong Un doesn't make a deal". "I cannot suppress my surprise at such ignorant and stupid remarks gushing out from the mouth of the US vice-president," Choe said in a statement released by the state-run KCNA news agency. "We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," she said, adding she would recommend Kim cancel the talks if Washington continues to make such threats. Similar comments comparing North Korea to Libya from Trump's hawkish National Security Advisor John Bolton caused the first threat by Pyongyang last week to cancel the Singapore meeting. "Whether the US will meet us at a meeting room or encounter us at nuclear-to-nuclear showdown is entirely dependent upon the decision and behaviour of the United States," she added. AIDES HEAD TO SINGAPORE Politically, Trump has invested heavily in the success of the planned summit, and so privately most US officials, as well as outside observers, believe it will go ahead. Hand-picked aides -- including deputy chief of staff Joe Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel -- are travelling to the Southeast Asian city-state designated to host the summit, officials said. They are expected to meet their North Korean counterparts and iron out details of the meeting. But Trump has also become increasingly lukewarm about meeting Kim, teasing his commitment to talks as keenly as any of his "The Apprentice" season finales. "On Singapore, we'll see. It could very well happen," he said Wednesday, adding cryptically: "Whatever it is, we'll know next week." Trump enthusiastically embraced the idea of talks earlier this year -- the first-ever meeting between a US president and a leader of North Korea. But as the date draws nearer, the yawning gulf in expectations between the two sides is coming into sharp relief. Washington has made it clear it wants to see the "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation" of the North. But Pyongyang has vowed it will never give up its nuclear deterrence until it feels safe from what it terms US aggression. Some analysts have suggested both sides still want to meet in Singapore but are playing hardball in the run up to the summit to leverage a better negotiation position. PR BATTLE Ostensibly the Trump-Kim talks will be about peace on the Korean peninsula and North Korea's nuclear and ballistic weapons. But even before talk of test freezes, decommissioning or inspections, Washington and Pyongyang are engaged in a public relations battle. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo -- who has met personally with Kim -- said whether the summit goes ahead is now up to North Korea. "That decision will ultimately be up to Chairman Kim," he told the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday. "He asked for the meeting, the president agreed to meet with him. I'm very hopeful that that meeting will take place." His remarks reflect an effort to perhaps lay the groundwork for blame should the talks fail. As part of its own charm offensive, North Korea invited some foreign journalists to witness the slated destruction of the isolated regime's nuclear test site. The gesture, which experts agree would do little to curb North Korea's long-term nuclear capabilities, is meant to signal that the regime is serious about change. Pyongyang said it planned to "completely" destroy the Punggye-ri facility in the country's northeast when it made the surprise announcement earlier this month. The demolition is due to take place sometime between Thursday and Friday, depending on the weather.

North Korea says US Vice-President Mike Pence 'ignorant and stupid'

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday a planned summit with Kim Jong Un may not take place next month as planned, despite his belief that the North Korean leader is "serious" about denuclearization.

"It may not work out for June 12," Trump said, being characteristically coy about the prospects for the historic meeting in Singapore.

"If it does not happen, maybe it will happen later," Trump said, as he began talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House.

But Trump added that he does believe the North Korean leader is willing to give up nukes, amid fears about apparent North Korean backpedaling.

"I do think he is serious. I think he is absolutely very serious," Trump said, again raising the prospect of a windfall for Kim if he mothballs weapons programs.

"He will be extremely happy" Trump said of Kim, if the deal works out. "He will be very happy."

'It may not work out for June 12,' Trump said, being characteristically coy about the prospects for the historic meeting in Singapore

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday a planned summit with Kim Jong Un may not take place next month as planned, despite his belief that the North Korean leader is "serious" about denuclearization. "It may not work out for June 12," Trump said, being characteristically coy about the prospects for the historic meeting in Singapore. "If it does not happen, maybe it will happen later," Trump said, as he began talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House. But Trump added that he does believe the North Korean leader is willing to give up nukes, amid fears about apparent North Korean backpedaling. "I do think he is serious. I think he is absolutely very serious," Trump said, again raising the prospect of a windfall for Kim if he mothballs weapons programs. "He will be extremely happy" Trump said of Kim, if the deal works out. "He will be very happy."

Trump says Kim summit could be delayed

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to maintain tight control of its border with North Korea until he signs a denuclearization deal with Kim Jong UN.

Trump is scheduled to hold a landmark summit with the North Korean leader June 12 in Singapore, but Pyongyang recently has threatened to pull out over US demands for "unilateral nuclear abandonment."&nbsp

"China must continue to be strong & tight on the Border of North Korea until a deal is made," Trump tweeted, suggesting China may have eased up on enforcing economic sanctions against Pyongyang.

"The word is that recently the Border has become much more porous and more has been filtering in.", he wrote, adding he wants North Korea to be 'VERY successful,' but only once a deal has been reached on denuclearization," he said.&nbsp

China is North Korea's biggest trade partner, and Trump has called on it repeatedly to press Pyongyang to rein in its nuclear and missile programs.

Besides protesting US disarmament demands, North Korea also angrily condemned joint US-South Korean military exercises, and last week pulled out of planned inter-Korean talks.

Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton also has drawn Pyongyang's ire by referring to Libya as a denuclearization model. After giving up Libya's nuclear program in 2003, leader Moamer Kadhafi was killed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

North Korea's sudden shift in attitude followed a weeks-long charm offensive that saw Kim Jong Un hold a historic summit in the Demilitarized Zone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and meet twice with China's President Xi Jinping.

As prospects for the Singapore summit dimmed, Trump offered assurances that if the summit is successful, Kim "will get protections that will be very strong."

"He'd be in his country and running his country. His country would be very rich," he told reporters last week.

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to maintain tight control of its border with North Korea until he signs a denuclearization deal with Kim Jong UN

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to maintain tight control of its border with North Korea until he signs a denuclearization deal with Kim Jong UN. Trump is scheduled to hold a landmark summit with the North Korean leader June 12 in Singapore, but Pyongyang recently has threatened to pull out over US demands for "unilateral nuclear abandonment." "China must continue to be strong & tight on the Border of North Korea until a deal is made," Trump tweeted, suggesting China may have eased up on enforcing economic sanctions against Pyongyang. "The word is that recently the Border has become much more porous and more has been filtering in.", he wrote, adding he wants North Korea to be 'VERY successful,' but only once a deal has been reached on denuclearization," he said. China is North Korea's biggest trade partner, and Trump has called on it repeatedly to press Pyongyang to rein in its nuclear and missile programs. Besides protesting US disarmament demands, North Korea also angrily condemned joint US-South Korean military exercises, and last week pulled out of planned inter-Korean talks. Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton also has drawn Pyongyang's ire by referring to Libya as a denuclearization model. After giving up Libya's nuclear program in 2003, leader Moamer Kadhafi was killed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. North Korea's sudden shift in attitude followed a weeks-long charm offensive that saw Kim Jong Un hold a historic summit in the Demilitarized Zone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and meet twice with China's President Xi Jinping. As prospects for the Singapore summit dimmed, Trump offered assurances that if the summit is successful, Kim "will get protections that will be very strong." "He'd be in his country and running his country. His country would be very rich," he told reporters last week.

Trump urges China to clamp down on North Korea border

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