U.S. President Donald Trump played down hopes Friday for any imminent deal to persuade the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to give up its nuclear arsenal.
"Many people have asked how we are doing in our negotiations with North Korea (the DPRK) – I always reply by saying we are in no hurry," he tweeted.
But Trump also expressed optimism, saying DPRK's economy has "wonderful potential" and that its leader Kim Jong Un "sees it better than anyone and will fully take advantage of it for his people."
A historic summit between Trump and Kim in June opened up dialogue on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula between the two countries after months of military threats. A second summit is expected to be held next year.
DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (R) and ROK President Moon Jae-in (L) attend a luncheon in Pyongyang, DPRK, September 19, 2018. /VCG Photo
The United Nations Security Council has slapped a series of tough economic sanctions on Pyongyang over its nuclear tests and ballistic missile firings. The United States maintains that UN sanctions will remain in place until the DPRK has fully scrapped its weapons programs.
During Kim's meeting with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Moon Jae-in in September, the DPRK agreed to allow international inspectors to observe a "permanent dismantlement" of its key missile facilities, and will take additional steps such as closing its main Yongbyon nuclear complex if the U.S. takes reciprocal measures.
China has urged Washington and Pyongyang to meet each other half way over the denuclearization issue.
(Cover: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) meets with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, June 12, 2018. /VCG Photo)