NKorea agrees to "completely denuclearize" at Singapore summit: Reports
US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have signed a "pretty comprehensive" and "historic" document. In the agreement, Kim has committed to "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," reports AFP. Trump is expected to elaborate on the negotiations at a press conference at 4pm local time. Concluding the Singapore summit, Trump had said it was "better than anybody could have expected."
The world will see a major change: Kim
Kim said after the signing, "Today we decided to leave the past behind. The world will see a major change. I'd like to express my gratitude to President Trump." Trump said it's going to change NKorea's relationship globally. "We are going to take care of a very dangerous problem for the world." It was followed by another amiable handshake, like at the summit's beginning.
Will Kim visit the White House? "Absolutely," says Trump
Kim's motorcade was seen leaving Sentosa island soon after the declaration. Trump is expected to remain in Singapore till 7pm local time; he will likely address the scheduled press conference alone. Asked if he would invite Kim to the White House, Trump said, "Absolutely."
Kim's motorcade leaving Sentosa
What can we expect?
Before the summit, the US had said it wants complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. NKorea had said it's willing, but it also wanted a "nuclear umbrella" protecting SKorea and Japan removed, and US sanctions withdrawn. On the agenda was a declaration of end to the 1950-53 Korean War too, which is technically still ongoing as it ended only with a truce.
Both leaders' reactions were in stark contrast to the past
Both leaders had earlier expressed hope about the summit. When asked how the meeting was going, Trump had said, "Very, very good." "I think it's gonna be really successful and I think we will have a terrific relationship," he had said. Kim had echoed him. "We overcame all kinds of scepticism and speculations about this summit and I believe this is good for peace."
