Donald Trump: 'I'd be honoured to meet Kim Jong Un’

Despite a recent war of words between the U.S. and North Korea, Donald Trump has stated that he would be “honoured” to meet Kim Jong-un.

President Trump has opened the door to a future meeting with the globally ostracised leader by offering unusual praise at a time of surging nuclear tensions.

Although the White House played down near-term prospects for such a meeting, Trump’s comments marked a departure from his more unforgiving tone towards Pyongyang in recent days.

He told Bloomberg News: “If it would be appropriate for me to meet with him, I would absolutely, I would be honoured to do it.”

Clearly aware of the power of his declaration, he added: “We have breaking news.”

Trump also praised Kim for taking office in his 20s, holding on to power despite efforts by “a lot of people” to take it away.

MORE: Surfer found alive after spending 32 HOURS out at sea
MORE: Trump to speak to Putin by phone today to discuss Syria crisis

He told CBS’s Face The Nation that Kim was a “pretty smart cookie”.

Despite the more flattering tone, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said there would be no meeting with the secretive North Korean leader until circumstances were right and numerous conditions met.

He said Kim should have to alter his government’s behaviour and “show signs of good faith”, adding: ”Clearly, conditions are not there right now.”

Trump suggested he was open to meeting Kim during the presidential campaign, but had not repeated the line since taking office in January.

Trump has taken a more aggressive stance against North Korea as fresh missile tests from the secretive state have made it one of America’s top national security concerns.

The U.S. has even raised the possibility of a pre-emptive strike if Pyongyang conducts another nuclear test.

Top pic: Rex