North Korea sanctions remain for now, may lift them in future: Trump

Singapore/Mumbai: Following his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, US president Donald Trump said the two countries are prepared to start a new history. “We are ready to write new chapters. The past does not have to define future,” Trump said.

Addressing a press conference, Trump thanked Kim Jong Un for taking a bold step for a bright future of his people adding that his talks with the North Korean leader were honest, direct and productive.

Showering praise on the North Korean leader, Trump said, "It takes a lot of courage to give up weapons and take to the path of peace. All credit to him. Kim Jong Un is a very talented guy who has been able to take this challenge at the age of 26 and be able to manage it as well as he has."

"No one thought this would be possible, but today we are seeing it happening before our eyes. We all dream of a Korea where all Koreans (north and south) live together in harmony," Trump added.

Saying that anyone can make war, but only the most courageous can make peace, Trump added: “Chairman Kim has before him an opportunity like no other to be remembered as the leader who ushered in a glorious new era of prosperity for his people.”

Also Read: Kim vows full denuclearisation, Trump guarantees security at historic meet

Calling his meeting with Kim one of the greatest moments in the history of the world, Trump said that the two countries signed a very comprehensive document today adding "I think when he (Kim Jong Un) lands in North Korea he will start the denuclearisation process soon".

When asked about Kim Jong Un's denuclearisation plans, Trump said, "Kim Jong Un is very serious about the denuclearisation and has already destroyed a missile testing facility and have agreed to destroy another one. He seemed very sincere to move on."

On the issue of sanctions imposed on North Korea, Trump said, "The sanctions will come off when we are sure that nuclear missiles are no longer a factor," adding that he is looking forward to lifting them off.

Trump further said that US will stop holding military exercises on the Korean peninsula, adding: "We will be stopping the war games and it will save us a lot of money."

Responding to a question over inviting Kim Jong Un to the White House, Donald Trump it will be done at the "appropriate time".

Donald Trump said that the issue of human rights ‘was discussed’ with Kim Jong Un.

“I believe it’s a rough situation over there…We did discuss it today, pretty strongly…We’ll be doing something on it. It’s rough in a lot of places, by the way,” Trump added.

When asked if bringing back the remains of US soldier died during the Korean war was on the agenda. Donald Trump said, "When we entered the room for discussions, we did not have bringing back the remains on the agenda. It was on my mind since many people had mentioned and requested for it. After the intense discussion, at the very end I just happened to mention that it would be a very nice gesture for the US to get back the remains".

Trump further said he (Kim Jong Un) could have said let us discuss it in the next meeting, but no, he immediately said it makes sense and agreed to do it right away. For the thousands and thousands, I guess way over six thousand that we know of in terms of the remains, they'll be brought back".

Earlier in the day, Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un made history Tuesday, becoming the first sitting US and North Korean leaders to meet and shake hands, as they seek to end a tense decades-old nuclear stand-off.

Also Read: Historic Summit: Trump predicts ‘terrific relationship’ with Kim Jong Un

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un promised to leave the past behind and work toward "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula" in return for security guarantees from US President Donald Trump as they signed a joint statement wrapping up their historic summit in Singapore. 

Trump and Kim conducted a comprehensive, in-depth, and sincere exchange of opinions on the issues related to the establishment of new relations between the two countries and the building of a lasting and robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, according to the statement.

After the delegation-level meeting, Trump joined Kim for a working lunch which had a mix of Western and Asian dishes, such as Korean stuffed cucumber and beef short rib confit with some Haagen-Dazs ice cream to top things off.

Also Read: Here's what Trump and Kim Jong Un ate during lunch over denuclearisation talks

As the two men entered the room, photographs were taken, with Trump joking about wanting to get a "beautiful picture" in which he looked good.

The two leaders then took a post-lunch stroll in the courtyard of the hotel.

The meeting at a luxury hotel in Singapore's Sentosa island came after months of diplomatic twists and turns.

The United States hoped the summit will pave way for complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula while North Korea saw the opportunity to get itself recognised as a player on the world stage.