Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump shake hands in historic DMZ first
US President Donald Trump has met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Demilitarised Zone between the two Koreas.
The two leaders were seen shaking hands with Mr Kim applauding during their meeting.
Mr Trump stepped onto North Korean soil in a symbolic diplomatic spectacle and a first for any American president.
After shaking hands with Mr Kim over the line that marks where their two countries and their allies fought each other to a standstill in the 1950-53 Korean War, Mr Trump walked for several steps into North Korean territory before another handshake.
The two men then walked into Seoul's territory together - pausing on the line for photographers - where they were joined by South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
“I just want to say that this is my honour. I didn't really expect it, we were in Japan for the G20,” Mr Trump said.
“I came over and I said I want to meet Chairman Kim. We got to meet and stepping across that line was a great honour.”
Mr Kim said through his translator to Mr Trump: “Good to see you again.
“I never expected to meet you at this place.
“Step forward, you will be the first US president to cross the line.”
Mr Trump added the the pair “liked each other from day one” after their first meeting.
He described his relationship with North Korea’s leader as a “great friendship”.
It is the third time in just over a year Mr Trump and Mr Kim have met and four months since their second summit in Hanoi, Vietnam broke down.
The US president arrived in Seoul late on Saturday for talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in after attending a Group of 20 summit in Osaka, Japan, during which he made a surprise, spur-of-the-moment offer to meet Mr Kim.
An Australian man is currently missing in North Korea with fears he may have been arrested.
With AAP and AFP
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