SINGAPORE[1] — North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un arrived at this island city-state Sunday ahead of a historic summit with President Trump[2], bringing with him a extensive security force and a private food supply.
Mr. Kim[3] was greeted at the airport by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who tweeted a photo of the welcoming.
After arriving in a Chinese jet, Mr. Kim[4] traveled in a long motorcade though the city to the luxurious St. Regis Hotel that will serve as Mr. Kim[5]’s base during the summit.
Mr. Trump[6] was en route to Singapore[7] and expected to arrive later Sunday.
“I am on my way to Singapore[8] where we have a chance to achieve a truly wonderful result for North Korea and the World,” Mr. Trump[9] tweeted from Air Force One. “It will certainly be an exciting day and I know that Kim Jong-un will work very hard to do something that has rarely been done before … Create peace and great prosperity for his land.”
Mr. Trump[10] added, “I look forward to meeting him and have a feeling that this one-time opportunity will not be wasted!”
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The two leaders will meet Tuesday to broker a deal for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. Mr. Trump[12] is offering security assurances and economic incentives, as well as an end to the 65-year-old standoff between the U.S. and North Korea.
It will be the first time a U.S. president meets face to face with a North Korean leader.
It’s also a rare journey outside of North Korea for Mr. Kim[13]. Since assuming the role of supreme leader in 2011, he has only left the county to visit China and, recently, South Korea....
Mr. Trump[14] is expected to stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, which is a top choice for visiting dignitaries and high-level diplomatic events.The St. Regis and the Shangri-La are located near each other in the upscale Orchard Road shopping district in downtown Singapore[15].Mr. Trump[16] and Mr. Kim[17] will meet each other for the summit at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island off Singapores southern coast.Singapore[18] designated a special security zone that includes the city center and Sentosa Island.Roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and heavily-armed police surrounded the St. Regis. Dozens of Singapore police officers were sweeping though the St. Regis in the hours before Mr. Kim[19] arrived.Mr. Kim[20] brought his own security detail, armored vehicles and a private store of food.A Russian-made cargo plane carrying supplies for Mr. Kim[21] and his entourage arrived shortly