Trump shares ‘very nice note’ from Kim Jong Un

President Trump on Thursday shared a letter he received from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, framing it as an example of progress between the two countries, even as multiple reports have indicated that North Korea hasn’t slowed its nuclear development.

Trump tweeted images of the letter, dated July 6, both in Korean and translated into English.

The letter made no mention of North Korea’s plans to denuclearize. Kim referred to his meeting with Trump last month in positive terms, calling it “the start of a meaningful journey.”

{mosads}“I deeply appreciate the energetic and extraordinary efforts made by Your Excellency Mr. President for the improvement of relations between the two countries and the faithful implementation of the joint statement,” Kim wrote.

“I firmly believe that the strong will, sincere efforts and unique approach of myself and Your Excellency Mr. President aimed at opening up a new future between the DPRK and the U.S. will surely come to fruition,” he added. 

The North Korean leader also expressed optimism about a future meeting.

A very nice note from Chairman Kim of North Korea. Great progress being made! pic.twitter.com/6NI6AqL0xt

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2018

The note was dated the same day as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to Pyongyang, where North Korean officials appeared to balk at U.S. efforts to rid the country of nuclear weapons.

During the two-day visit, Kim did not meet with Pompeo, and North Korean officials accused the U.S. of being a “gangster” in its push for unilateral denuclearization.

Pompeo disputed those claims, saying talks had been productive and North Korea did not push back.

The recent rockier rhetoric stands in contrast to the rosy picture Trump painted after he and Kim met in Singapore last month to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program.

The president touted the summit as a sweeping success and declared North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat. The two signed a joint agreement that included a commitment from Kim to work toward a denuclearized Korean peninsula in exchange for “security guarantees” from the U.S.

However, skeptics noted that the agreement lacked specific language, methods or timetables for North Korea to irreversibly abandoning its nuclear program. Meanwhile, multiple reports have indicated that Pyongyang has continued to develop its nuclear arsenal.

Trump has drawn criticism in the aftermath of the summit for his glowing comments about Kim, who stands accused of starving his people, torturing prisoners and other human rights violations. He has praised Kim as “very talented,” a “great negotiator” and someone who “loves his people.”