Remarks by President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Before Expanded Bilateral Meeting | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi  •  Hanoi, Vietnam •  February 28, 2019  •  11:03 A.M. ICT

President Trump with Chairman Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, Vietnam: Above. (White House photo)     Click image to expand.
    PRESIDENT TRUMP: Are you all having a good time in Hanoi? Everybody having a good time? Everybody? Jeff? I hope.

    Q Chairman Kim, are you ready to denuclearize? Are you ready to give up your nuclear weapons?

    CHAIRMAN KIM: (As interpreted.) If I'm not willing to do that, I won't be here right now.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: That's a good answer. Wow. That might be the best answer you've ever heard.

    Q Are you willing to take concrete steps to denuclearize, or not quite yet?

    CHAIRMAN KIM: (As interpreted.) That is what we are discussing right now.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: And don't raise your voice, please. This isn't like dealing with Trump.

    CHAIRMAN KIM: (As interpreted.) They all seem to be, you know, anxious.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: I think they're anxious and they're calm.

    Q Chairman Kim, are you discussing human rights with President Trump?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: We're discussing everything.

    So I just want to thank everybody for being here. We're having very productive discussions. We'll see where it all goes. But we are having very productive discussions, and we appreciate it. I think we're having a press conference later on, and we'll then be heading out back to our respective homes.

    But, you know, I think we've had very, very productive discussions, and the relationship is as good as it's ever been. Better. I think better.

    Q President Trump, is the time right for an end of the war with a political declaration?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: A political what?

    Q Political statement to end the war. Is the time right for that?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: I think that no matter what happens, we're going to ultimately have a deal that's really good for Chairman Kim and his country, and for us. I think, ultimately, that's what's going to happen. That's where it's all leading. It doesn't mean we're doing it in one day or two days, but it's all leading toward a very - a very big success.

    And I really believe that, with this great leadership, I really believe that North Korea is going to be very successful, and economically, it's going to be something very, very special.

    Go ahead.

    Q Chairman Kim, are you ready to allow the United States to have an office in Pyongyang? Are you ready for that step?

    PARTICIPANT: (As interpreted.) Is it better to leave - let the media go?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: Yeah, I think we will. I think we will.

    It's actually an interesting question though. I would like to actually hear that answer, because it's actually not a bad idea.

    CHAIRMAN KIM: (As interpreted.) Well, I think that is something which is welcomable.

    Q It would be welcomed? Today, it would be announced?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: I actually think it's a good idea. Both ways. You know, both ways.

    CHAIRMAN KIM: (As interpreted.) If you would kindly give us more time between us, because, you know, one minute - even one minute is more precious to us. Thank you.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you all very much. Thank you very much.

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