Washington : US President Donald Trump has shared a throwback photograph with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying the two leaders still “get along GREAT” despite their tense-looking expressions in the image.
Trump shared the photograph on social media on Saturday, describing the picture as having an “unfriendly look” while stressing that there were many other occasions when the two leaders were seen smiling together.
Message comes ahead of military drills
Trump’s post came just days before the United States and South Korea are scheduled to begin their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises.
The 11-day drills are set to run from August 17 to 27 and are designed to strengthen the allies’ readiness against evolving security threats on the Korean Peninsula. The exercise includes live, virtual, constructive and field-based training.
North Korea has historically viewed such US-South Korean exercises as preparations for an invasion, while Washington and Seoul describe them as defensive training.
North Korea continues missile activity
The latest message from Trump comes amid renewed military tensions. North Korea conducted a suspected ballistic missile launch on August 12, its second missile test in less than a week, according to reports.
The developments have added to concerns over Pyongyang’s expanding missile and nuclear capabilities, even as Trump continues to highlight his personal relationship with Kim Jong Un.
Trump and Kim held several high-profile meetings during Trump’s first presidency, including summits in Singapore and Hanoi and a meeting at the inter-Korean border. However, diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting agreement on North Korea’s nuclear programme have remained stalled.
The latest exchange reflects the unusual contrast between Trump’s friendly personal comments about Kim and the continuing military tensions surrounding North Korea.