Speaking at the press conference after the talks were cut short, President Trump said that there was a "really productive time" during discussions between him and North Korean leader but added that “it was not a thing to be signing anything”.
“Sometimes you have to walk. This was just one of those times. He has a certain vision and it's not exactly our vision, but it's a lot closer than it was a year ago and I think eventually we'll get there,” Trump said.
The gap here is the US sanctions of which Pyongyang wants to be lifted but Washington does not. “Basically, they wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety, and we couldn't do that,” said Trump.
Kim is said to be willing to denuclearize a certain portion of his country but that is less important than what Washington wants. In addition, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters that North Korean leader was unprepared" to meet US demands”.
Earlier, when asked by a Reuters correspondent if he was ready to give up nuclear weapons, Kim said that: “If I’m not willing to do that, I won’t be here”.
Although disagreeing with Kim on sanctions, Trump called his relationship with the North Korean leader a very warm one and emphasized that the meeting ended in a very friendly walk. He also said that the North Korean leader is “quite a character”.
At the press conference, Trump also shared Kim’s commitment on not going to do testing of rockets and nuclear. "I trust him, and I take him at his word. I hope that’s true,” said Trump.
Though the two leaders did not reach a joint agreement and it is not clear whether they have other meetings, both sides were said to continue to work and make progress.
During the second summit in Hanoi, President Trump has repeatedly highlighted the huge economic potential of North Korea, emphasizing that the country can become a great economic power without nuclear weapons.
He also showed his willingness in helping North Korea get economic boost when the tough international sanctions are lifted.
