US-Korea talks progressing 'more quickly than expected'
The White House has confirmed that discussions between the US and North Korea are progressing "more quickly than expected" ahead of Tuesday’s summit in Singapore.
Preliminary talks between officials from the two countries have been taking place ahead of the historic meeting between Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump and North Korean state media has spoken of a "new relationship" with the US.
In a statement, The White House said: "Following the initial greeting, President Trump and Chairman Kim will participate in a one-on-one meeting, with translators only, an expanded bilateral meeting, and a working lunch."
The US has stated that it will offer "unique" security assurances in exchange for North Korea’s complete denuclearisation, according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Pompeo also said that economic sanctions would remain in place on the hermit kingdom until it "completely and verifiably eliminates its weapons of mass destruction programmes."
North Korean media has been fairly muted with regard to the summit, but this is perhaps to be expected as reports on Kim's movements normally happen after the event.
However, North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun said in an editorial: "Even if a country had a hostile relationship with us in the past, our attitude is that if this nation respects our autonomy [...] we shall seek normalisation through dialogue."
Following the meeting of the two leaders, President Trump will address the media and return to the US.
Connor Campell, financial analyst at Spreadex, said: "The markets took news that Donald Trump will be leaving Singapore a day early, meaning there’s just 11 hours for some kind of nuclear agreement between the US and North Korea to be hashed out, in their stride, the latest red flag planted in the macro-political and economic landscape that investors are keen to ignore."