[SUMMIT] Trump emphasizes right deal instead of speed in denuclearization

By Park Sae-jin Posted : February 28, 2019, 12:15 Updated : February 28, 2019, 14:35

[REUTERS / YONHAP PHOTO]


HANOI -- President Donald Trump emphasized a right deal instead of speed as he sat for the second day of talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, saying the United States is ready to help the isolated country become an economic powerhouse in return for denuclearization.

"Speed is not important. What's important is that we do the right deal," Trump said in his opening comment at the start of one-on-one talks with Kim a the Metropole hotel in Hanoi. "I am in no rush," he said, thanking Kim for the suspension of missile and nuclear testing.

With a serious expression, Kim showed his willingness to cooperate, saying he would do his best to bring good results. "Let me assure you that I would do all my best to bring a good result ultimately today. From what I feel right now, I have a feeling that good results will come out."

As an apparent sweetener for smooth negotiations, Trump offered to help North Korea become an economic powerhouse. "I think it's going to be an economic powerhouse. And it's something I very much look forward to helping with. Because with a little bit of helping the right location and the right place, I think it's going to be something very special."

Trump suggested that the two Cold War enemies could expect "good things" if they work to establish good relations. "Very importantly the relationship is, you know, just very strong. And when you have a good relationship a lot of good things happen."

"I just want to say with respect to chairman Kim, I have great respect for his country that it will be something economically almost hard to compete with, for many countries. It has such potential," the American leader said.
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