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Trump: Expects to meet Kim Jong Un this year, says North Korea has 57 nuclear weapons

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un within the year.
  • Trump stated Kim possesses 57 nuclear weapons, a figure he claims would not have been allowed under his presidency.
  • He also commented on Iran's nuclear program, asserting it must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by the end of the year. Responding to questions from reporters at the White House, Trump directly addressed the possibility of a summit, stating, "Yeah, I will be." He did not provide further details on the timing, location, or any ongoing diplomatic discussions.

Yeah, I will be.

โ€” Donald TrumpTrump's affirmative response when asked if he expected to meet Kim Jong Un by the end of the year.

When asked about communication with Kim, Trump declined to comment directly but emphasized their positive relationship, saying, "I get along with him well. The fact that I get along with him well is a good thing." This statement hints at a continued, albeit private, channel of communication between the two leaders.

I get along with him well. The fact that I get along with him well is a good thing.

โ€” Donald TrumpTrump commented on his relationship with the North Korean leader.

Trump also brought up North Korea's nuclear arsenal, stating that Kim possesses "57 very powerful nuclear weapons." He reiterated his belief that such a situation should never have been permitted, asserting, "If I were president, I would not have allowed it." This comment reflects his long-standing criticism of previous administrations' policies regarding North Korea's nuclear development.

He has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons.

โ€” Donald TrumpTrump stated his estimate of North Korea's nuclear arsenal.

Furthermore, Trump extended his concerns to Iran's nuclear ambitions, declaring, "We cannot let Iran have nuclear weapons." He linked this issue to his relationship with Kim, suggesting that under his leadership, North Korea would remain in check. "I know Kim Jong Un very well. As long as we have a smart president, he will be okay. If you have another president, probably not so okay," Trump remarked, implying that his approach is key to regional stability.

If I were president, I would not have allowed it.

โ€” Donald TrumpTrump criticized the development of North Korea's nuclear program under previous administrations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.