Politics

It was a historic first as Donald Trump stepped over a small concrete block onto North Korean soil. But the event was shrouded in uncertainty until just an hour before. Here are some of the key quotes from the hastily-arranged “third date” between the pair that was supposed to be a brief hello but turned out to be somewhat more substantive.

Relationship status = It’s complicated: “What’s going to happen is over the next two or three weeks, the teams are going to start working to see whether or not they can do something. Very big stuff. Pretty complicated, but not as complicated as people think.” (Trump on forthcoming talks)

Surprise date: “Some people say this meeting was pre-arranged through the letters you have sent me, but I myself, was surprised when yesterday morning you expressed the willingness to meet with me here.” (Kim Jong Un)

High-stakes offer: “Knowing the press like I do, if he had decided not to come, you would have hit me.” (Trump on the implications of a no-show from Kim)

Flowery rhetoric: “Reading the tweet, I felt that a flower of hope was fully blossoming on the Korean Peninsula.” (South Korean president Moon Jae In)

No fake news here: “He doesn’t do news conferences, in case you haven’t heard.” (Trump talking about Kim)

How was it?: “Surreal.” (President’s daughter Ivanka Trump when asked how was North Korea)

A certain something: “For some reason, we have a certain chemistry.” (Trump talking about his unlikely bromance with Kim)

History in motion: “Stepping across that line was a great honour.” (Trump after his historic step into North Korea)

One-day stand: “If it wasn’t for the great relationship with you, I don’t think this meeting would have been made possible in just one day.” (Kim on his connection with Trump)

Would you mind moving?: “Get the photographers out the way.” (Unknown journalist heard to voice expletive-laced frustration as North Korean snappers photobomb the historic shot)

Big day out: This was a great day. This was a very legendary, very historic day.” (Trump seemed to have enjoyed his day trip to North Korea).

Source: AFP

Related: Two Koreas Mark Moon-Kim Summit Anniversary with Different Tones