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'All systems go' for Trump-Kim summit, which will showcase S'pore at its best, says Vivian

SINGAPORE — It is "all systems go" for next week's historic summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, an event that will showcase Singapore at its best, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Saturday (June 9).

The authorities have warned of delays and traffic disruptions at and near the St Regis Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, Sentosa Gateway and the Capella Hotel.

The authorities have warned of delays and traffic disruptions at and near the St Regis Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, Sentosa Gateway and the Capella Hotel.

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SINGAPORE — It is "all systems go" for next week's historic summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, an event that will showcase Singapore at its best, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Saturday (June 9).

Speaking to reporters in Beijing after a trip to Pyongyang to fine tune arrangements for the summit, Dr Balakrishnan said both sides had expressed appreciation for Singapore's efforts. The minister was in Washington earlier this week for similar meetings.

"I am glad to say, as of now, it is all systems go," said Dr Balakrishnan. "Both the Americans as well as the North Koreans are pleased with the arrangements. We are all set to go and things will start happening in the next 24 hours."

However, he declined to share specific details about the upcoming meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Kim, adding that he was not privy to the details of their negotiations.

The minister said the North Koreans are hoping for a breakthrough and they know this is a "magnificent opportunity".

He added: "If a meaningful breakthrough occurs, and depending on what happens with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions which we have to abide with ... then clear opportunities will arise.

"I see sincerity, I see willingness to escape the constraints that have applied for the last seven decades. With goodwill and creativity let's see what they come up with".

There has been speculation that next week's summit could produce a peace declaration formally ending the 1953 Korean war, though key players, including Seoul, have downplayed the prospect. The Korean conflict ended 65 years ago with an armistice instead of a peace treaty that would end the technical state of hostilities.

Despite lingering questions about the outcomes of next week's summit, Dr Balakrishnan said the event would nonetheless be Singapore's contribution to global peace efforts.

He added: "This is our contribution to world peace. This is also our opportunity to show an aspect of Singapore which we sometimes take for granted - our security, efficiency, unity of purpose, ability to get things done, plan in detail, and also to react to contingencies”.

"This is Singapore at our best."

He acknowledged that the heightened security measures for the event will cause inconvenience, but noted that Singaporeans have also given him feedback that they are proud that their city is playing host to such a significant meeting.

The Republic has mobilised thousands of officers, and even recalled National Servicemen, to provide security for the first-ever meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Kim.

Both leaders are scheduled to arrive in Singapore on Sunday, ahead of their Tuesday summit at the Capella Hotel in Sentosa. They are expected to discuss efforts to end Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme, though a formal agenda has not been made public.

Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam has declared the summit as an "Enhanced Security Special Event" under the Public Order Act. Stringent security and traffic arrangements would be in force from this weekend to Thursday at several venues associated with the event.

In particular, the authorities warned of delays and traffic disruptions at and near the St Regis Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, Sentosa Gateway and the Capella Hotel. 

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