National Focus

Trump – Kim summit ends without deal

By Lan Huong February 28, 2019 | 07:54 PM GMT+7

The summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended without reaching agreement because of different views on lifting sanctions.

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.

Trump – Kim summit fuels Hanoi tourism market

Trump – Kim summit fuels Hanoi tourism market

National Focus -  5 year
Demand for hotels in Hanoi has skyrocketed prior and during the US – North Korea.
Trump – Kim summit fuels Hanoi tourism market

Trump – Kim summit fuels Hanoi tourism market

National Focus -  5 year
Demand for hotels in Hanoi has skyrocketed prior and during the US – North Korea.
Women leading the charge in Vietnam's green transition

Women leading the charge in Vietnam's green transition

National Focus -  1 day

Acting for increased women’s participation and leadership in climate action, Vietnam can accelerate a transition that is more inclusive, just, and impactful.

Steam for girls: A journey of passionate and creative girls

Steam for girls: A journey of passionate and creative girls

National Focus -  3 week

The "Steam for girls 2024" competition provides a creative platform for Steam and an opportunity for students to connect with peers from various regions within Vietnam and internationally.

Politburo backs North-South high-speed railway proposal

Politburo backs North-South high-speed railway proposal

National Focus -  1 month

The Politburo on Wednesday supported a plan to invest in a high-speed railway along the country’s North-South axis, marking a crucial step for the multi-billion-dollar project aimed at boosting economic growth and infrastructure development.

Ho Chi Minh City inaugurates Japan-funded wastewater treatment plant

Ho Chi Minh City inaugurates Japan-funded wastewater treatment plant

National Focus -  1 month

Ho Chi Minh City has inaugurated the expanded Binh Hung wastewater treatment plant, now the largest facility of its kind in Vietnam.

Electric vehicle market faces growth hurdles

Electric vehicle market faces growth hurdles

National Focus -  1 month

Vietnam's electric vehicle market, holding just 15 per cent of the automotive market share, shows promise but faces significant challenges in scaling up due to infrastructure and regulatory obstacles.

Vietnam halves registration fees for locally produced cars

Vietnam halves registration fees for locally produced cars

National Focus -  1 month

The reduction aims to boost consumer spending for three months.