SINGAPORE: US President Donald Trump today said he trusted North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un over the agreement for denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, reached between the two countries after their historic summit here today.
After the summit in Singapore, Kim pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula in return for security guarantees from the US, as Trump wrapped up the meeting with outcomes that could ease tensions and reshape the geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific region.
"I can only tell you that from the time I've (dealt) with him, which is really starting 90 days ago... I think he wants to get it done," Trump told reporters, as he stopped by briefly to take questions just before flying back home, a little ahead of schedule.
Asked if he was disappointed or whatsoever, he said, "As soon as I had my first opportunity, which was toward the end, I said could you do it. He said we will do it."
Asked how would the US make sure the denuclearisation, Trump said "We're going to have to check it and we will check it. We'll check it very strongly."
Asked if he trusted Kim, the President responded: "I do."
Trump and Kim today had a comprehensive, in-depth, and sincere exchange of opinions on issues related to establishing "new" relations between the two countries and the building of a lasting and robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, according to a joint statement signed by them.
He also announced that the US will stop conducting military drills with South Korea after the historic summit, something widely seen as a concession as Pyongyang has long claimed they are invasion rehearsals.
Trump said his delegation was supposed to leave tomorrow morning at 7 but instead they would leave tonight. "It's a good save, a little time," he said.
The North Koreans also left Singapore early after the summit.
Asked when did the North Koreans informed the US about their early departure, Trump said, "Oh no, he was right on time... There was nothing more we could have done. We had the agreement done."
When enquired about the health of First Lady Melania Trump, the President said she was "doing great" after the operation and cannot fly for a month.
"I don't know what it is but 30 days she's not supposed to fly. She's doing great. In fact she was at Ford's theatre last night," he said.