Positive atmosphere shows Pompeo had productive meeting with North Korean leader

Arirang News 2018-10-08

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It was all smiles as U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over the weekend.
Where does it leave the chances for a second North Korea-U.S. summit and the denuclearization process?
Lee Ji-won has more.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's fourth visit to Pyeongyang seems to have gone well.

According to the New York Times, Pompeo had a two-hour long meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, followed by a 90-minute luncheon hosted by the North's leader at the State Guest house of Baekhwawon.

Footage shows the two warmly greeting each other and exchanging pleasantries on their way to the lunch table.
Even there, the two hinted on what appeared to have been a successful meeting.

"We talked about a lot of things earlier, and though I'm careful, I think it's a very nice day that promises a good future for both of us."

"I had a great visit this morning. Thank you for hosting, President Trump sends his regards. And we had a very successful morning, so thank you and I am looking forward to our time here at lunch as well."

Shortly after arriving in South Korea following the visit, Pompeo posted a photo on Twitter of himself walking with Kim, saying he had a good trip to Pyeongyang.
President Trump also tweeted on the "good meeting" the two had, expressing his hope to see Kim again in the near future.

Despite the positive atmosphere, not much has been openly shared on the denuclearization front.
But amid renewed hopes, many speculate the two sides might agree on more concrete actions.
That could include the U.S. declaring an end to the Korean War, and the North taking additional measures such as dismantling its key nuclear facility.
Recently, some also suggest the two sides may have taken new cards out in their negotiations.
The North has been bringing up sanctions relief while Pompeo mentioned the regime's chemical and biological weapons program during his talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a few days ago.

With the two agreeing to form a working-level group, there's speculation the newly-appointed U.S. Special representative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun may soon meet with Choe Son-hui, North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister, in charge of U.S. relations.
It was Biegun's first time in North, but Choe was in Russia for talks with officials in Moscow.
Lee Ji-won, Arirang News.

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