11 June 2018•Update: 12 June 2018
By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON
Historic talks between the U.S. and North Korea have progressed more rapidly than first thought and will wrap up in one day, the White House said Monday.
President Donald Trump will depart Singapore for the U.S. at around 8 p.m. local time (1200GMT) Tuesday, the White House confirmed in a statement.
Trump was initially thought to depart Singapore Wednesday, and last week he raised the possibility that the summit could last two to three days.
Prior to leaving the Southeast Asian city-state, Trump will participate in a one-on-one meeting Tuesday morning with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with only translators present before the pair take part in an expanded bilateral meeting and a working lunch.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Chief of Staff John Kelly and National Security Adviser John Bolton will be among the U.S. delegation for the expanded bilateral.
Trump will participate in a press conference before departing Singapore, according to the White House.
Following the U.S.'s announcement, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres commended Trump and Kim for pursuing a diplomatic solution.
"The two leaders are seeking to break out of the dangerous cycle that created so much concern last year," he told reporters, referring to the heated rhetoric that devolved into talk of nuclear war between the enemies.
"The road ahead will require cooperation, compromise and a common cause," he said. "There will be inevitable ups and downs, moments of disagreement and tough negotiations. Relevant parts of the United Nations system stand ready to support this process in any way, including verification if requested by the key parties."
The U.S. is seeking the long-sought denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in exchange for security guarantees and relief from international sanctions that have hobbled North Korea's economy.
