Trump and Kim meet face-to-face in Vietnam as second summit kicks off

Evan Vucci | AP Photo

President Donald Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, in Hanoi.

In a brief statement while seated next to Kim for a pre-dinner photo op, Trump said he hoped this week’s summit will be “equal or greater” in terms of results than last year’s meeting between the two leaders. He emphasized his personal connection to the autocratic leader, saying their relationship had made “the biggest progress.”

“Your country has tremendous economic potential — unbelievable, unlimited — and I think that you will have a tremendous future with your country, a great leader,” Trump said, looking directly at his North Korean counterpart. “I look forward to watching it happen and helping it to happen — and we will help it to happen.”

Speaking to reporters from the dinner table, the U.S. president said he and Kim have “a very special relationship.”

Earlier in the day, Trump met with Vietnam’s president and prime minister, and repeatedly suggested that North Korea could realize a “thriving” economy if only it plays ball with the U.S.

Most news from the U.S.-North Korea summit is likely to come on Thursday. The two sides are expected to hold meetings throughout the better part of that day, and some form of statement or signing is likely at the summit’s conclusion.