Donald Trump and Kim Summit in Singapore on 12 June

US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will meet on 12th June in Singapore, it was officially declared by US President Donald Trump himself. The US President tweeted, “The highly anticipated meeting between Kim Jong-un and myself will take place in Singapore on June 12th. We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!”

In the summit, one of the main issues, which is expected to be discussed is North Korea’s nuclear weapon program. Since 2006 the communist nation has carried out six nuclear tests in spite of international sanctions. Though North Korea has justified its nuclear program saying the country needs a weapon for its security.

The US President also made it clear to North Korea time and again that it must abandon its nuclear weapon program completely. Kim also pledged to stop nuclear tests and shut down its nuclear test sites. But experts are of the view that North Korea is not going to abandon its nuclear weapon so easily, as Kim has personally pushed the nuclear program of the country, so hard to obtain.

Though North Korea has not hinted any agenda for the summit, analysts are of the view that the key issues for North Korea will be the presence of US Military in South Korea and lifting of sanctions by the US that are blocking the development of its economy.

In March, the US President Donald Trump stunned the world when he accepted the invitation from Kim to meet, as the rivals were so far known for their war of words. The major breakthrough came after the historic meeting of South Korea and North Korea in April, the first time since the end of Korean war of 1953. It is the initiative of South Korean President Moon Jae-in, which also initiated an environment of talks between the US and North Korean leader.

Now why Singapore as the venue is chosen for the summit. Singapore is the prosperous island nation and has been the venue for various high profile diplomatic summits. In 2015, China and Taiwan made history by breaking the ice in Singapore after more than 60 years.

The US officials also have found Singapore as a neutral venue for the summit. The US and Singapore have a close relationship. Though Singapore has a good diplomatic relationship with North Korea, the trade relationship has been suspended from November last year after the international sanctions on North Korea were tightened.

Singapore reacted positively saying the country is pleased to host the historic summit, “We hope this meeting will advance prospects for peace in Korean Peninsula”, said a statement released by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong too added the meeting is significant as it is a step towards world peace. “May it lead to a successful outcome”, the Prime Minister said.

Mongolia and a Demilitarised Zone between South Korea and North Korea were also considered for the summit between the two world leaders, but with the official announcement by US President Donald Trump, now it is confirmed that the summit is going to take place in Singapore only.