🔶 Trump praised North Korea’s leader and confirmed having contact with him

Donald Trump, the U.S. president, reported on Monday, August 17 (26 Mordad), that he had established new contacts with Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea.

In response to a question from reporters in the Oval Office of the White House—asking why Kim had not reacted to his recent willingness to engage in dialogue—Trump said: “How do you know that he didn’t respond?”

When the reporters pressed further and asked whether the North Korean leader had truly responded, Trump said: “Yes, he responded.”

When asked at what stage talks with Kim were, Trump described it as “very positive,” but did not provide any additional details.

Trump also once again praised Kim and said that his previous meetings with the North Korean leader had reduced tensions with Pyongyang.

Trump said: “Look, I actually make things much safer.” According to him, Kim has always treated him “with very great respect.” Trump added: “I understand him, and he understands me.”

During Trump’s first term in office, he and North Korea’s leader had exchanged letters in which they praised each other.

During that period, Trump met with Kim three times in total, but since his return to the White House in the past year, he has not met with him.