Trump says will meet North Korea's Kim later this year

US President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday (Aug 19) his intention to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, aiming to rekindle the rapport he believes he established during his first term. During a White House tour, Trump emphasized the importance of getting along with Kim, noting that North Korea currently possesses 57 powerful nuclear weapons.

However, Trump's renewed focus on Kim and his reduction of joint US-South Korean military drills have sparked concern among Asian allies and speculation about his motivations, particularly as his Iran war appears to be stalling. Trump defended his plan to meet Kim, even as he continues his war with Iran, stating that the drills were insulting to Kim and the North Korean leader had been well-behaved.

While Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, expressed she was unaware of the reported communication between her brother and Trump, she affirmed that their relationship remains excellent. Meanwhile, South Korea's defense minister estimated North Korea has between 80 to 120 nuclear weapons, and Seoul opposes officially recognizing North Korea as a nuclear weapons state.