Preparing Trump-Kim summit

U.S. and North Korean officials are working overtime to put the final touches to the historic summit between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore

Joe Hagin, deputy White House chief of staff, and Kim Chang Son, Kim Jong-un’s de facto chief of staff, are negotiating all logistical details

VENUE
Five-star Shangri-La hotel expected to host summit, with leaders scheduled to meet at 09:00 local time (01:00GMT) on June 12

MALAYSIA
SINGAPORE
10km 6 miles


Shangri-La Hotel
U.S. embassy
SINGAPORE
Sentosa Island
North Korean embassy
Fullerton Hotel: Likely lodging for North Korean delegation
Jun 10-14: “Special event area”
Special zone with stricter security checks
Orchard Rd.
Capella Hotel: Possible lodging for American delegation
Singapore Strait
2km 1.25 miles

Kim’s plane: Soviet-era Ilyushin-62, dubbed “Air Force Un”

PROTOCOL
Negotiations between two sides include seating position at table, layout of room (two doors allow entrance of both leaders at same time), and who is allowed in room with them
Gifts will be watched carefully. U.S. will not want to violate sanctions, while previous North Korean gifts range from puppies to Matsutake mushrooms – prized delicacy

SECURITY Both leaders will bring own personal security teams, while elite Singaporean police – including Nepalese Gurkhas – will be in charge of security on roads, at venue and hotels
Around 1,800 Gurkhas serve in Singapore police

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Protocols negotiated include how many steps each leader should take before stopping for cameras
Both sides negotiating whether flags from both countries will appear in any official pictures from summit
Height difference – Kim is 1.70m (5ft 7in), Trump is 1.88m (6ft 2in) – may prompt North Koreans to insist that pair be seated when cameras are present
More than 3,000 journalists from around the world registered to attend event

TRANSPORT
Ageing Soviet aircraft carrying Kim and his limousine, as well as dozens of security and support staff, from Pyongyang to Singapore, will pose logistical challenge

MENU
Agreeing satisfactory menu will be tricky – Trump is non-drinker who favours burgers while Kim enjoys wine and noodles

WHO PAYS THE BILL
Discussions underway over who will pay for Kim’s preferred $6,000 room at high-end Fullerton Hotel. U.S., Singapore and anti-nuclear campaign group ICAN have agreed to contribute


Sources: Straits Times, Politico, IISS Military Balance Pictures: Getty Images, Associated Press, Tomomarusan © GRAPHIC NEWS