Trump says he's 'glad' Kim Jong Un 'is back, and well'
03 May, 2020
US President Donald Trump said Saturday (May 2) he was "glad" about the reappearance of Kim Jong Un and that the North Korea leader is apparently healthy.
"I, for one, am glad to see he's back, and well!" Trump tweeted, following Kim's first public appearance in practically three weeks after extreme speculation that he was seriously ill or perhaps dead.
North Korean state television set showed Kim walking, smiling broadly and smoking a cigarette at what the North said was the opening of a fertiliser factory on Friday in Sunchon, north of Pyongyang.
Rumours about Kim's health have already been swirling since his conspicuous no-show at Apr 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather, the North's founder - the main day in the country's political calendar.
His absence triggered a number of fevered rumours and unconfirmed reports over his condition.
Kim's disappearance from public view came as Pyongyang's talks with Washington over the North's nuclear arsenal are in a standstill, despite three meetings between Kim and Trump.
If Kim have been incapacitated or dead, it could have increased uncertainty over the procedure.
Trump had downplayed reports of Kim's illness and possible demise.
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