Political rhetoric was placed aside, along with years of enmity and suspicion.
Two political leaders made a history as they met for the first time in person — at a short but intimate meeting in Capella Singapore on 12 Jun 2018.
The world watched with bated breath as President Trump and Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un began their long awaited dialogue.
Here’s the rundown of their post-discussion conference, as posted by Reuters.
Trump: I feel really great, we had a great discussion and I think a tremendous success. It had been tremendously successful. And it’s my honour and we will have a terrific relationship. I have no doubt.
Korean translator translates Trump’s comments as Kim laughs.
Kim (translated): While it was not easy to get here, the past worked as fetters* on our limbs. And the old prejudices and practices worked as obstacles on our way forward. But we overcame all of them and we are here today.
Trump: That’s true.
Trump extends a handshake as Kim smiles for the camera.
Trump: Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
*Fetters refers to handcuffs or restraints.
It was a one-on-one meeting, with only their translators present.
After a cordial handshake at 9.05am in front of both countries’ flags at Capella hotel. Kim was there with his sister and confidante Kim Yo Jong, as well as his trusted aide Kim Chang Son.
This is Trump and Kim’s first meeting in person, since their arrival in Singapore.
The agenda of the entire meeting is to negotiate a deal to the conflict over the Korean Peninsula which has been ongoing for decades.
Both entourages left punctually and passed the Orchard area shortly after 8am, as they headed for Sentosa, which is off Singapore’s southern coast.
Contrary to popular belief, the island alone is not all there is to Singapore.
Curious citizens also lined up along the streets of Singapore, photographing and waving, as they bore witness to the motorcade of both leaders passing through.
A series of meetings will happen in quick succession after this, followed by a working lunch.
We expect Trump-Kim mania to hit Singapore even more, as our media has been having a field day.
President Trumps sounds optimistic about the future of this unlikely partnership.
However, he has expressed that he will use his “long-honed instincts” to check if Kim was “bluffing, buying time or serious”.
And that we’ll all know soon “whether or not a real deal, unlike those of the past, can happen”.
For starters, he called the release of three American hostages and Pyongyang’s pledge to stop further nuclear tests, indicative of a good start.
As for Singapore, we’re just happy that our $20 million wager on this groundbreaking meeting, seems to be paying off — for now.
Featured image from Reuters.
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