Washington:U.S. President Donald Trump stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un possesses a "pretty large" nuclear arsenal and would be "fine" as long as Trump is "around," referring to Kim as "a friend" and asserting that Kim respects him.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump made these remarks during a press session following a meeting with executives from artificial intelligence firms. He was responding to a question about the distinction in his stance on nuclear weapons for North Korea and Iran.

Trump emphasized that Kim respects him and that past U.S. administrations failed to prevent North Korea from developing nuclear weapons. He claimed that Kim has a substantial nuclear capacity, although not as large as the U.S., and attributed this development to the actions of previous presidents.

Highlighting his personal relationship with Kim, Trump mentioned that Kim "likes Trump" and does not favor many others. Trump acknowledged the criticism he faces for his friendship with the North Korean leader but reaffirmed their mutual respect.

There is ongoing speculation that Trump may aim to reengage with Kim Jong-un during a potential visit to Asia later in the year, possibly during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, in November. During his first term, Trump met Kim three times: in Singapore in June 2018, in Hanoi in February 2019, and at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom.