'The world will see a major change:' Trump, Kim sign document, commit to denuclearization of Korean Peninsula



Update 1:56AM:

President Donald Trump thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ``for taking the first bold step toward a bright new future for his people'' after the leaders' historic Singapore summit.

Trump said at a news conference Tuesday after meeting face to face with Kim that ``real change is indeed possible.''

He also says that he's prepared ``to start a new history'' and ``write a new chapter'' between the two nations.

He says, ``The past does not have to define the future.''

President Trump says he will be ending joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.

Trump made the announcement Tuesday at a news conference in Singapore after his historic meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

North Korea has long objected to the annual exercises, viewing them as practice for future military action against the North by the United States.

Trump cast his decision as a financial consideration, saying the U.S. will save a lot of money by canceling the drills.

Update 12:12AM:

A joint declaration signed by President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says the U.S. has committed to providing “security guarantees” to the North.

The document signed at the end of the pair’s historic summit in Singapore on Tuesday also says Kim “reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”

It’s unclear exactly what Trump has promised Kim in terms of security. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declined to say Monday whether guarantees might include withdrawing U.S. troops from the Korean Peninsula.

A copy of the text snapped by a photographer at the signing summit says Trump and Kim also discussed how to build “a lasting and robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula” in their talks.




11:01 PM

President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have signed what Trump says is a "very important" and "pretty comprehensive" document.

But Trump refused to tell reporters what the declaration says. The document is set to be handed out to reporters later.

Trump said Tuesday as the leaders wrapped up their historic summit in Singapore that he and Kim "have developed a very special bond" during their day together.

And he says, "Both sides are going to be impressed with the result."

Kim told reporters that "the world will see a major change," though it's unclear how.

The summit marked the first between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader.

Trump said the denuclearization process will begin "very quickly," and said he would "absolutely" invite Kim to the White House for a visit.