Trump and Kim Jong-un sign historic commitment to denuclearisation

After months of escalating tension between North Korea (DPRK) and the rest of the world over its nuclear and ballistics weapons programme, US President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed what is hoped will be an historic document at the first ever summit between the two countries in Singapore (12 June).

Under the agreement, Trump ‘committed to provide security guarantees to the DPRK (North Korea) and Chairman Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.’

On the issue of sanctions, President Trump told reporters that they would ‘come off’ at the point that it became apparent ‘that the nukes are no longer a factor.’ State Secretary Mike Pompeo confirmed in a press conference following his briefing with South Korean and Japanese leaders on the summit that ‘We’re going to get denuclearisation . . . only then will there be relief from sanctions.’

DPRK’s main trading partner and ally China, however, has said that sanctions were always ‘a means to an end’ – which has been interpreted as indicating a willingness to begin relaxing sanctions against DPRK.

For more information, see the June issue of WorldECR and:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/joint-statement-president-donald-j-trump-united-states-america-chairman-kim-jong-un-democratic-peoples-republic-korea-singapore-summit/