Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un have met for a crucial final day of nuclear talks in Vietnam amid criticism they were not moving quickly enough to secure a deal in the peace negotiations.
The US President said he was in “no rush” to finalise an agreement as he faced mounting pressure to ensure concrete steps were put in place for a move towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
North Korean leader Mr Kim said he had a feeling “good results” would be reached as the pair prepared to sit down on Thursday for the second day of talks that follow their historic summit in Singapore last year.
As Mr Trump sat at a round table in the French-colonial-era Metropole hotel before the second round of talks, the US President Trump told reporters: "I've been saying very much from the beginning that speed is not that important to me. I very much appreciate no testing of nuclear rockets, missiles, any of it, very much appreciate it.”
He added: "We just want to do the right deal."
Asked about the progress of talks, Mr Kim said: "It's too early to tell, but I wouldn't say I'm pessimistic. For what I feel right now, I do have a feeling that good results will come out.”
He added: "There must be people who watch us having a wonderful time, like a scene from a fantasy movie. We have so far made lots of efforts, and it's time to show them.”
Trump reiterated North Korea's potential, if a deal can be done, saying the isolated country could be an "economic powerhouse". But, despite the optimism, there has been no sign of progress on the key issue of denuclearisation at their second summit in eight months.
After a joint “signing ceremony" that will follow the second round of talks, Mr Trump is planning to address a news conference at 3.50pm (8.50am UK time), according to the White House.
No indication has been given on what the signing ceremony might involve, although the two sides' discussions have included the possibility of a political statement to declare the 1950-53 Korean War over.
They have also discussed partial denuclearisation measures, such as allowing inspectors to observe the dismantling of North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear reactor, US and South Korean officials said.
US concessions could include opening liaison offices or clearing the way for inter-Korean projects, but critics said Mr Trump risks squandering vital leverage if he gives away too much, too quickly.
