On Monday, June 11, one day before the historic summit meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jung Un, the US President was received by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who then hosted him and members of the US delegation for a working lunch.
Mr. Trump arrived in Singapore on Sunday afternoon, after leaving the G7 Summit in Canada earlier than other world leaders for his meeting with the North Korean leader. The meeting with Mr. Kim may possibly result in North Korea’s denuclearization in exchange for guaranteed safety and economic opportunities for the country.
Mr. Trump is staying at the Shangri-La Hotel, which he left shortly before 12 pm for his meeting with the Prime Minster. Many people lined the streets for the chance to see and photograph the US President.
This morning, Mr. Trump tweeted his enthusiasm and optimism for the meeting.
Great to be in Singapore, excitement in the air!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 11, 2018
Officials from both the US and North Korea already met earlier at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel to discuss the summit.
Along with Mr. Trump, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Chief of Staff John Kelly, National Security Advisor John Bolton and Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders were received by PM Lee at Istana.
Education Minister Ong Ye Kung shared photos from the working lunch, including one that showed the menu, which indicated that lobster bisque, angus beef tenderloin and chendol ice-cream were among the items served.
There was even an early birthday celebration for Mr. Trump, who was born on June 14, 1946.
Celebrating birthday, a bit early. pic.twitter.com/laVLNs7J2j
— Vivian Balakrishnan (@VivianBala) June 11, 2018
Afterwards, Mr. Trump thanked his hosts for the lunch, saying, “We have a very interesting meeting in particular tomorrow, and I think things can work out very nicely. But we appreciate your hospitality and professionalism and your friendship.”
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singaporean President Halimah Yacob invited Mr. Trump for a state visit in November this year. The MFA also said that the discussion between PM Lee and the US President concerning issues in the region and around the globe went well, and that bilateral relations between the two countries have been confirmed.
On Sunday, PM Lee met with Mr Kim at Istana to discuss regional issues and the relationship between Singapore and North Korea.