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Photo of President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un's first handshake

Junie Sihlangu
Jun 12, 2018
09:08 A.M.

For the first time in history, a sitting US president and a leader of North Korea have met for discussions face to face. President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un met on Tuesday morning on the island of Sentosa in Singapore.

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According to the White House, they shook hands for the media before having a brief sit-down with interpreters. President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un had a historic handshake after they walked down a pathway lined with North Korean and American flags.

They then turned and faced the media to pose for their first pictures together. Their meeting is a high-stakes nuclear summit that has taken months to negotiate.

After shaking hands, the two went to a sitting room to make brief statements before their private meeting. "I feel really great, we're going to have a great discussion, and I think tremendous success," Trump said.

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Through a translator, Kim Jong Un acknowledged that agreeing for the countries to meet had been a difficult journey. He added that they’d beaten old prejudices and practices to be here today.

Less than a year ago, Trump was threatening North Korea with “fire and fury,” while Kim Jong Un warned that he could potentially reach the US territory of Guam with his ballistic missiles.

"It will be tremendously successful. And it’s my honor, and we will have a terrific relationship I have no doubt."

President Donald Trump, opening remarks, June 11, 2018

The US delegation at the expanded bilateral meeting included Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Chief of Staff John Kelly, and National Security Advisor, John Bolton. Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, Ambassador Sung Kim, and National Security Council Senior Director for Asia Matt Pottinger will also join the working lunch.

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The two countries initially reproached their relationship in a more diplomatic manner around the time of the Winter Olympics in South Korea. The US’ objective is to achieve a “denuclearized” North Korea.

Many experts and observers of North Korea believe it is unlikely that Kim Jong Un will take this step. The weapons program has, in part, helped grant him legitimacy on the world stage.

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They are also the reason why he was able to get a sit-down with the US President. At the conclusion of the summit, Trump will participate in a media availability.

He will depart at approximately 8 p.m. for the US. For more go to our Twitter account @amomama_usa.

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