Trump says 'glad' Kim Jong Un 'is back, and well'
US President Donald Trump said Saturday he was "glad" about the reappearance of Kim Jong Un and that the North Korea leader is apparently healthy.
"I, for just one, am glad to see he's back, and well!" Trump tweeted, following Kim's first public appearance in practically three weeks after intense speculation that he was seriously ill or possibly dead.
North Korean state television set showed Kim walking, smiling broadly and smoking a cigarette at what the North said was the opening of a fertilizer factory on Friday in Sunchon, north of Pyongyang.
Rumors about Kim's health have been swirling since his conspicuous no-show at April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather, the North's founder - the main day in the country's political calendar.
His absence triggered a number of fevered rumors and unconfirmed reports over his condition.
Kim's disappearance from public view came as Pyongyang's talks with Washington over the North's nuclear arsenal are at a standstill, despite three meetings between Kim and Trump.
If Kim have been incapacitated or dead, it would have increased uncertainty over the procedure.
Trump had downplayed reports of Kim's illness and possible demise. - AFP
