North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of recent talks with the US before his second summit with US President Donald Trump, heightening expectations for a denuclearisation deal at the meeting, scheduled for late February.

Mr Kim, briefed by his top lieutenant Kim Yong Chol over his recent visit to Washington, praised Mr Trump’s “unusual determination and will for the settlement of the issue” and ordered thorough preparations for the summit, North Korea’s official KCNA news agency said. 

“Kim Jong Un said that we will believe in President Trump’s positive way of thinking, wait with patience and in good faith and, together with the US, advance step by step toward the goal to be reached by the two countries,” KCNA reported.