US President Donald Trump said Saturday that maintaining good relations with leaders of nuclear-armed countries is important, highlighting his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Ohio, Trump said it was in Washington’s interest to maintain ties with leaders of major powers, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, because of the influence and nuclear capabilities of their countries.

“I get along very well with Kim Jong-un,” Trump said, adding that it was important to maintain good relations with a leader who, he said, has 112 nuclear missiles.

Trump’s reference to 112 nuclear missiles appeared to concern North Korea, although the basis for the figure was unclear. The number also differs from the figure of 57 nuclear weapons Trump cited in August while discussing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.

North Korea’s nuclear arsenal is difficult to assess because the country does not publicly disclose detailed information about its stockpile. Independent estimates vary depending on whether they refer to assembled warheads, fissile-material production capacity or potential deliverable weapons.

Trump and Kim held three meetings during Trump’s first presidency, including a historic 2018 summit in Singapore. Their diplomacy failed to produce a lasting agreement on denuclearization, and North Korea subsequently continued to expand its nuclear and missile programs.

Trump also drew a distinction between North Korea and Iran, saying Tehran would never be allowed to possess a nuclear missile.

His comments come amid continued international concerns over North Korea’s expanding nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities and efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to additional countries. (ILKHA)