US officials travel to N Korea over preparation of likely summit

A group of United States (US) officials on Sunday traveled to North Korea for talks to prepare for a likely summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, despite the shadow of doubt looming over the much-anticipated summit.

Several officials, including former U.S. ambassador to South Korea and former nuclear negotiator with the North, traveled to the reclusive country, reported the Washington Post.

He crossed the line that separates the two Koreas to meet with North Korean vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui.

According to the report, Kim and Choe know each other well - both were part of their respective delegations that negotiated the 2005 denuclearization agreement through the six-party framework.

The Post said the meetings about Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme are also slated for Monday and Tuesday.

This comes in the backdrop of Saturday's surprise meeting which took place between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss the possible forthcoming US-North Korea summit, announced South Korea.

According to Moon, Kim was concerned if he could trust the US with the security of its regime in return for denuclearisation.

The recent development had come after Trump, in a Twitter post, wrote that the summit could still happen on June 12 as previously scheduled.

"We are having very productive talks with North Korea about reinstating the Summit which, if it does happen, will likely remain in Singapore on the same date, June 12th., and, if necessary, will be extended beyond that date," Trump had tweeted.