U.S. President Donald Trump said, "I think having a good relationship with North Korea is a very great asset for everyone."
After a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the 7th (local time), Trump stated in a joint press conference, "We will establish a relationship with North Korea and Kim Jong Un."
Trump noted regarding Kim Jong Un, "We have maintained a good relationship, and I get along well with him, and he gets along well with me. That is not a bad thing but a good thing."
He stated, "If I had not won the election, you would have been in a very bad situation," and added, "If I can establish relationships with others who are struggling around the world, that would be a tremendous asset for the world."
Prime Minister Ishiba responded to a reporter's question on whether "President Trump wants to resume contact with North Korea and meet with Kim Jong Un" by stating, "That is an issue the United States has to decide for itself, and it is not something we should request."
Prime Minister Ishiba positively assessed the two North Korea-U.S. summits during Trump’s first term. He said, "If President Trump can move toward resolving issues with North Korea now that he is back in power, that would be a great thing," adding, "This includes not only denuclearization but also resolving the issue of abducted victims."
Prime Minister Ishiba stated, "We reaffirmed the necessity of addressing North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, which pose significant threats to Japan and the United States, and that Japan and the United States will cooperate toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea."
President Trump also noted before the press conference, "Prime Minister Ishiba and I will work closely to maintain peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region and for peace through strength," adding, "We are still working to ensure the safety and stability of the Korean Peninsula that we started during my first term."