President Trump thanked North Korea on Thursday after a timeline to complete denuclearization in just a few years was reportedly set.
Reuters reported on the statements given by South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s National Security Adviser Chung Eui-yong.
Mr. Chung said North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un has “unchanged” faith in Mr. Trump, according to the report. The North Koreans want to denuclearize by the end of Mr. Trump’s first term in January 2021, he said.
North Korean state media also expressed Mr. Kim’s commitment to denuclearization but did not specify any timeline or deadline for the denuclearization process.
Mr. Moon and Mr. Kim are expected to meet in North Korea Sept. 18-20.
Mr. Trump thanked the North Korean dictator on Twitter Thursday morning, writing, “We will get it done together!”
Kim Jong Un of North Korea proclaims “unwavering faith in President Trump.” Thank you to Chairman Kim. We will get it done together!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2018
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declined to comment on the specifics about negotiations with North Korea. He did not confirm the Trump anniversary timeline announced by Mr. Chung.
“We will work — we will continue to work with them to deliver for the world, as against the U.N. Security Council resolutions, and for Chairman Kim to deliver on the commitment that he made to President Trump in Singapore now back on June 12th,” he said.
The announcement comes after a step back in talks with North Korean officials.
Mr. Trump cancelled Mr. Pompeo’s last trip to the country at the end of August, because there was not enough progress made on the denuclearization talks.
While he continued to praise his relationship with Mr. Kim, the president accused China of interfering because of tense trade relations.
“Secretary Pompeo looks forward to going to North Korea in the near future, most likely after our Trading relationship with China is resolved,” he tweeted.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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