Pompeo visits N. Korea to discuss Trump-Kim summit
Sec. of state says he will finalize time and location
PYONGYANG, North Korea — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in North Korea early today to nail down critical details for an upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, raising hopes that three American prisoners could soon be released.
But even before he landed, Pompeo acknowledged that there was little certainty about the outcome of his visit, saying he was not sure with whom he would be meeting or whether the Americans would be freed.
Trump first disclosed the trip during remarks at the White House on his intention to withdraw the United States from the Iran nuclear deal. The president cast Pompeo’s second visit - his first came during Easter weekend when he met with Kim - as a step forward in the preparation for the summit, which could happen by late June.
“Plans are being made. Relationships are building,” Trump said of the diplomatic opening with the Kim regime. “Hopefully, a deal will happen and, with the help of China, South Korea, and Japan, a future of great prosperity and security can be achieved for everyone.”
Yet important details have not been disclosed, including when and where the leaders’ meeting will take place.
During his remarks, Trump made no mention of the American prisoners, after suggesting last week that their release was imminent. Two people with knowledge of the trip had told The Washington Post before Trump’s speech that Pompeo was expected to bring the prisoners home.
“We’ll all soon be finding out,” Trump replied to a reporter’s question on their fate.
South Korea’s presidential Blue House is expecting North Korea to release the three to Pompeo, an official told the Yonhap News Agency early today. Pompeo was also expected to finalize the details for the summit between Kim and Trump.
“We expect him to bring the date, time and the captives,” the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the news agency.
Three Korean Americans — Kim Dong-chul, Kim Hak-song and Tony Kim — have been accused of various acts considered hostile to the government. Trump and his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, have dropped hints recently that they could be freed soon.
The main purpose of Pompeo’s visit to North Korea is to finalize a time and location for the summit between Trump and the North Korean leader, how long their talks will last and to clarify expectations.