North Korea's senior official Kim Yong-chol briefed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un of his meetings that he had with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo... while delivering Trump's letter to Chairman Kim. <br />Oh Jung-hee reports.<br /> <br />The North Korean leader's right-hand man Kim Yong-chol, who met with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington,... has briefed Kim Jong-un on the results of those meetings.<br />And Pyeongyang's state media reported that... Kim Jong-un also received another letter from President Trump.<br />According to that report, Kim Jong-un said Trump has shown (quote)"extraordinary determination and willingness".<br />Kim also stressed... that North Korea will wait with patience... and take steps with the U.S. to move together towards their common, ultimate goal.<br /><br />The North's top nuclear negotiator Kim Yong-chol spent three days in Washington last week.<br />He's believed to have discussed where and when to hold the second Pyeongyang-Washington summit.<br />Another key talking point would have been what North Korea should do next... and what the U.S. can give in return.<br />Pyeongyang is claiming that it has taken steps towards denuclearization -- it has dismantled its Punggye-ri nuclear test site and Dongchang-ri missile engine test site... and so, the U.S. has to ease sanctions.<br />But the U.S. has been firm that sanctions can't be lifted until Pyeongyang shows more concrete steps towards denuclearization.<br />This gap in views has been the key reason for the months-long deadlock in the nuclear negotiations.<br />But as they're determined to hold the summit, it's expected delegations from North Korea and the U.S. will continue meeting to reach a deal.<br />Earlier this week, as Kim Yong-chol wrapped up his Washington visit, North Korea's vice foreign minister Choe Son-hui met with U.S. Special Representative on North Korea Stephen Biegun... and South Korea's representative Lee Do-hoon for three days in Sweden.<br />Additional meetings could take place.<br />The White House has announced that the Kim-Trump summit will be held in late February,... but the location of it hasn't been announced yet.<br />Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News. <br />
