Trump jokes he and Kim Jong Un ‘get along great’ in old photo

US President Donald Trump has shared a throwback photograph with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, joking that despite their “unfriendly look” in the picture, “we get along GREAT!” Trump posted the image on Truth Social, recalling their historic 2018 summit in Singapore. The post comes amid renewed interest in direct diplomacy, though North Korea has rejected calls to abandon its nuclear arsenal. India Today reports Trump remains open to meeting Kim again, while Times of India notes the post preceded the US-South Korea “Ulchi Freedom Shield” military drills, scheduled for August 17-27.

Times of India reports North Korea has condemned the upcoming drills as provocations. On Friday, a North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson alleged US-Japan-South Korea military cooperation is turning into a “nuclear alliance” and vowed a “new level of deterrent.” Pyongyang also conducted a suspected ballistic missile launch on August 12, its second test in under a week. India Today adds that South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed a phased approach to North Korea’s nuclear programme in June, which Trump said he would consider. The drills begin on August 17.