According to a report by the American newspaper The Washington Post on August 19, U.S. President Donald Trump inspected the construction site of the new helicopter pad on the southern lawn of the White House, and spoke to the media. He stated that he expects to meet with North Korea's top leader Kim Jong-un later this year.
When asked whether he would meet with Kim Jong-un this autumn, Trump gave an affirmative answer. He stated that his relationship with Kim Jong-un is “very valuable” for both the United States and the world. “I get along well with him. Do you know? It’s a very good thing, not a bad thing.”
August 19th, U.S. President Trump inspected the newly built helicopter pad at the White House. IC photo
According to sources in the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has urged his aides to arrange a meeting with Kim Jong Un, with the earliest possible date being this fall. During private discussions, Trump also considered holding face-to-face talks with Kim Jong Un during his next visit to Asia.
The White House has not immediately confirmed Trump’s plan to meet with Kim Jong-un. It is expected that Trump will travel to Asia in mid-November to attend the 33rd APEC Informal Meeting of Leaders held in Shenzhen.
On August 16th, Trump posted a message on social media, stating that given his "very good relationship" with Kim Jong Un, he was "disappointed that the United States agreed to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea a long time ago." He said that he had asked the U.S. Department of Defense to significantly reduce the scale of these exercises.
On August 17th, local time, Trump said in response to media questions at the White House that Kim Jong-un had responded to his request for dialogue, but did not disclose any specific details.
