Second DPRK – USA Summit discusses concrete steps towards denuclearisation

President of the United States Donald Trump and Chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un convened their official meeting in Hanoi on the morning of February 28 under the framework of the second DPRK-USA Summit.

US President Donald Trump (R) and DPRK Chairman Kim Jong Un at the second DPRK - USA summit in Hanoi (Photo: AFP/VNA)
US President Donald Trump (R) and DPRK Chairman Kim Jong Un at the second DPRK - USA summit in Hanoi (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Speaking after an expanded meeting between the DPRK and US delegations, DPRK Chairman Kim Jong Un affirmed his readiness for denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula, adding that Pyongyang and Washington were discussing practical steps towards the process.

The same day, Spokesperson of the White House Sarah Sanders announced that US President Donald Trump and DPRK Chairman Kim Jong Un had a very good and constructive meeting in the past two days.

Though no agreement was reached at the Summit Vietnam and no joint statement issued, the sides look forward to meeting in the future, she said.

On the afternoon of February 28, US President Donald Trump convened a press conference at Marriot hotel in Hanoi following his meeting with DPRK Chairman Kim Jong Un. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also attended the press conference.

The US President thanked the Vietnamese Government and people for supporting the second the DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit.

He said he and the DPRK Chairman discussed a number of issues, including denuclearisation, sanctions, and DPRK’s economic potential; however, it is not the right time to sign a joint statement.

According to him, the DPRK Chairman affirmed his readiness for denuclearisation, however, there were still obstacles in negotiations between the two sides to realise the target.

He said he didn’t want to talk about increasing sanctions on the DPRK, saying that DPRK has tremendous potential to become an absolute economic power.

Later the same day, US President Donald Trump left Vietnam, wrapping his attendance at the second DPRK – USA Summit. While flying back to the US, he once again thanked Vietnam for hosting the second DPRK-USA Summit.

On his Twitter account, President Trump conveyed gratitude to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and “the wonderful people of Vietnam”.

* Speaking at a press conference at Melia hotel in Hanoi on March 1, DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho said DPRK had offered a complete halt of nuclear and long-range missile testing at the summit between US President Donald Trump and DPRK Chairman Kim Jong Un. He said the DPRK had offered “realistic proposals”.

According to Ri, DPRK had attempted to get the US to lift sanctions under five United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly those relating to people's livelihoods.

He emphasised that the DPRK did not seek a complete removal of all sanctions, but only partial relief.