President Trump said during an Oval Office meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in that he believes Kim Jong Un is “serious” about denuclearization but appeared to suggest that the June 12 date for the Singapore summit may not work out.
“It may not work out for June 12,” Mr. Trump said seated beside Moon. He added, “If it doesn’t happen, maybe it will happen later.”
“Frankly it has a chance to be a great, great meeting for North Korea and a great meeting for the world,” said Mr. Trump, saying that the meeting “must” take place.
Mr. Trump hailed North Koreans as “hardworking, great people” adding that Kim would be “extremely happy” if a deal between the two leaders works out. He would not, however, confirm if he had been in direct talks with Kim yet.
“North Korea has a chance really to be a great country and I think they should seize the opportunity and we’ll soon find out whether they want to do that.”
The president also appeared to insinuate that Chinese President Xi Jinping may have tried to sway Kim away from the summit, saying that his recent visit to China may have changed his attitude. “There was a difference when he left China a second time.” He called Xi a “world class poker player.”
Meanwhile, President Moon commended Mr. Trump, saying that he’s been able to achieve dramatic change in the region. “We’re one step closer to achieving complete denuclearization on Korean Peninsula, Moon said, adding “all this was possible because of you.”
