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Trump talks up ‘big nuclear’ North Korea, reaching out to Kim

Kim Jong-un hasn’t shown any serious interest in re-engaging with the US president. But Trump still has a soft spot for the ‘very smart guy’

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the start of their summit in Singapore in June 2018. Photo: AFP
SCMP’s Asia desk
Donald Trump plans to reach out to “big nuclear nation” North Korea and rekindle his “very good relationship” with leader Kim Jong-un, the US president has said.

“There is communication – I think it’s very important,” he told reporters on Monday, without giving a timeline. “There is a big nuclear nation, and he’s a very smart guy.”

Trump’s remarks came in response to a question regarding his plans to reach out to North Korea or its leader in the near future.

“I have a very good relationship with Kim Jong-un – you people hate to hear that, but it’s very important,” the president said. “We have a great relationship … I’ve got to know him very well.”

North Korea’s Kim Jong-un places a hand on Donald Trump’s back as they leave following a signing ceremony in Singapore in 2018. Photo: AFP
North Korea’s Kim Jong-un places a hand on Donald Trump’s back as they leave following a signing ceremony in Singapore in 2018. Photo: AFP
Trump became the first US president to hold talks with a North Korean leader when he met Kim in Singapore in 2018 during his first term. He held two more rounds of talks with Kim in the following year.

While those discussions ultimately collapsed, Trump has indicated a willingness to reach out for renewed talks during his second term.

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