By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year, noting that getting along with the reclusive leader is "a good thing" and that Pyongyang has 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons.

Trump made the remarks during a press availability at the White House, a day after The Wall Street Journal reported that he is pushing his aides for a meeting with Kim, which could happen during his next trip to Asia when the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit takes place in Shenzhen, China, in November.

"Yeah, I will," Trump told reporters when asked if he is expecting to meet Kim later this year.

Asked whether he is exchanging written letters with Kim, Trump said, "I can't tell you that."

He reiterated that he gets along with the North Korean leader.

"You know what? The fact that I get along with him ... That's a good thing, not a bad thing," he said.

Trump also said that Kim has 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons, noting that it should have never been allowed to happen.

"(If) I was president, I wouldn't have allowed it. But he's got them. I get along with him very well," he said.

He added, "I know Kim Jong-un very well, and he's going to be fine as long as we have a smart president."

sshluck@yna.co.kr

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