Smiling Trump, Kim Jong-un shake hands ahead of historic summit

US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have shaken hands in a landmark moment for international diplomacy.

The pair smiled as they shook hands for 12 seconds and then posed for photos ahead of summit talks.

.@POTUS Donald J. Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore. #SingaporeSummit pic.twitter.com/CWhiLO4dAa

— Department of State (@StateDept) June 12, 2018

The two leaders were expected to talk on their own for up to 45 minutes, with only their translators present, before expanded bilateral meetings with their staff.

Trump predicted he would have a “great relationship” with the North Korean leader as their summit began in Singapore, while Kim said “we came here after overcoming” all the obstacles.