However, US troops are staying for now. Speaking about the large US military contingent based in South Korea, Trump said that he would ideally ‘like to bring them home, but that’s not part of the equation right now.’
Despite Kim’s pledges for denuclearization and the optimism for further talks, the easing of sanctions on Pyongyang will not be coming in the near future, according to Trump. The restrictive measures will remain in force until full denuclearization, the US president said, noting that he is ‘looking forward’ to it.
North Korea is currently under both international and unilateral US sanctions for its nuclear and missiles tests. Pyongyang demolished its nuclear testing site in May and invited foreign journalists to witness it. Now, Pyongyang is to destroy a massive missile engines testing site, according to Trump.
However, Trump and Kim may need one more meeting to discuss existing problems, according to the US president. He has already invited the North’s leader to visit the White House and Kim Jong-un has agreed to come.
As part of the deal signed in Singapore, Washington and Pyongyang have also committed to recovering prisoners of war and the remains of those missing in action, including the immediate repatriation of those already identified.
Both countries have agreed to hold follow-up negotiations led by the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a relevant high-level North Korean official. This would be ‘at the earliest possible date,’ in order to implement the outcomes of the historic summit, said Trump who said would like China and South Korea to get involved in the coming talks.
Political analysts in Singapore noticed the document speaks of security guarantees for North Korea; however, it is not clear at the moment, what exactly Trump promised Kim in terms of security. Previously, Secretary of State Pompeo refused to address possible guarantees, which might include withdrawing the US troops from the Korean Peninsula.
Though observers commented there was much political theater at the Capella Hotel, the fact is there was a first face-to-face encounter between Kim and Trump that has been called historical; there is a signed joint declaration and talks of further meetings.
