Trump touts 'Great relationship' with Kim Jong Un ahead of their Vietnam summit
President Trump in a series of tweets Sunday touted his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of their summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, this coming week. Trump also reiterated his Friday enthusiasm for progress in trade talks with Beijing, thanked Russia and China for their support in dealing with North Korea, and praised Kim's political savvy:
Very productive talks yesterday with China on Trade. Will continue today! I will be leaving for Hanoi, Vietnam, early tomorrow for a Summit with Kim Jong Un of North Korea, where we both expect a continuation of the progress made at first Summit in Singapore. Denuclearization?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2019
President Xi of China has been very helpful in his support of my meeting with Kim Jong Un. The last thing China wants are large scale nuclear weapons right next door. Sanctions placed on the border by China and Russia have been very helpful. Great relationship with Chairman Kim!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2019
Chairman Kim realizes, perhaps better than anyone else, that without nuclear weapons, his country could fast become one of the great economic powers anywhere in the World. Because of its location and people (and him), it has more potential for rapid growth than any other nation!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2019
Meanwhile, Kim left Pyongyang by train on Saturday for a multi-day journey across China to Vietnam. The trip was confirmed by North Korean state media, which also said Kim is accompanied by his sister, Kim Yo Jong, senior North Korean negotiator Kim Yong Chol, and Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, among others.