Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam
February 28, 2019
11:03 A.M. ICT
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Are you all having a good time in Hanoi? Everybody having a good time? Everybody? Jeff? I hope.
Q Chairman Kim, are you ready to denuclearize? Are you ready to give up your nuclear weapons?
CHAIRMAN KIM: (As interpreted.) If I’m not willing to do that, I won’t be here right now.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: That’s a good answer. Wow. That might be the best answer you’ve ever heard.
Q Are you willing to take concrete steps to denuclearize, or not quite yet?
CHAIRMAN KIM: (As interpreted.) That is what we are discussing right now.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: And don’t raise your voice, please. This isn’t like dealing with Trump.
CHAIRMAN KIM: (As interpreted.) They all seem to be, you know, anxious.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I think they’re anxious and they’re calm.
Q Chairman Kim, are you discussing human rights with President Trump?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: We’re discussing everything.
So I just want to thank everybody for being here. We’re having very productive discussions. We’ll see where it all goes. But we are having very productive discussions, and we appreciate it. I think we’re having a press conference later on, and we’ll then be heading out back to our respective homes.
But, you know, I think we’ve had very, very productive discussions, and the relationship is as good as it’s ever been. Better. I think better.
Q President Trump, is the time right for an end of the war with a political declaration?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: A political what?
Q Political statement to end the war. Is the time right for that?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I think that no matter what happens, we’re going to ultimately have a deal that’s really good for Chairman Kim and his country, and for us. I think, ultimately, that’s what’s going to happen. That’s where it’s all leading. It doesn’t mean we’re doing it in one day or two days, but it’s all leading toward a very — a very big success.
And I really believe that, with this great leadership, I really believe that North Korea is going to be very successful, and economically, it’s going to be something very, very special.
Go ahead.
Q Chairman Kim, are you ready to allow the United States to have an office in Pyongyang? Are you ready for that step?
PARTICIPANT: (As interpreted.) Is it better to leave — let the media go?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Yeah, I think we will. I think we will.
It’s actually an interesting question though. I would like to actually hear that answer, because it’s actually not a bad idea.
CHAIRMAN KIM: (As interpreted.) Well, I think that is something which is welcomable.
Q It would be welcomed? Today, it would be announced?
PRESIDENT TRUMP: I actually think it’s a good idea. Both ways. You know, both ways.
CHAIRMAN KIM: (As interpreted.) If you would kindly give us more time between us, because, you know, one minute — even one minute is more precious to us. Thank you.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you all very much. Thank you very much.
END
11:08 A.M. ICT
