Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year, revealing for the first time that North Korea possesses 57 nuclear weapons. This disclosure marks the first occasion Trump has provided a specific count of the North Korean nuclear arsenal. According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump's comments came during a press briefing at the White House. The announcement followed a report by The Wall Street Journal indicating that Trump is urging his aides to arrange a meeting with Kim, potentially during his upcoming trip to Asia for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, in November. When questioned by reporters about the expected meeting with Kim, Trump affirmed, "Yeah, I will." He refrained from providing details on whether he has been exchanging written communications with Kim, stating, "I can't tell you that." Speculation about a renewed diplomatic engagement between Trump and Kim has been fueled by Trump's de cision to reduce South Korea-U.S. military exercises, interpreted as an attempt to ease tensions with North Korea. Pyongyang has consistently criticized such joint military drills as preparations for an invasion. During the press availability, Trump emphasized his positive relationship with Kim, asserting, "The fact that I get along with him ... That's a good thing, not a bad thing." Trump's revelation of Kim's possession of 57 nuclear weapons highlights the gravity of North Korea's nuclear capabilities, a development he believes should have been prevented. While Trump had previously referred to North Korea as a "nuclear power," this is the first occasion he has specified the number of weapons in North Korea's arsenal. Experts estimate that North Korea may have around 60 nuclear weapons, with the capability to produce more. Reflecting on the situation, Trump remarked, "(If) I was president, I wouldn't have allowed it. But he's got them. I get along with him very well." He expressed confidence in Kim's lead ership, stating, "As long as we have a smart president, he is going to be fine. If we have a dumb president, then he's probably not going to be so fine."