Seoul (CNN) One of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's top officials arrived at Beijing airport on Wednesday on his way to the United States where he is expected to help lay the groundwork for on-again, off-again talks between Kim and US President Donald Trump in Singapore on June 12.

Trump himself confirmed the news of Kim Yong Chol's trip to the US early Tuesday, tweeting: "We have put a great team together for our talks with North Korea. Meetings are currently taking place concerning Summit, and more. Kim Young Chol, the Vice Chairman of North Korea, heading now to New York. Solid response to my letter, thank you!"

Top North Korean official Kim Yong Chol (far left) arrives at Beijing International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, local time.

Kim will meet Secretary of State Mike Pompeo later this week, according to White House press secretary Sarah Sanders.

Once he touches down on American soil, Kim would be the most senior official to visit the United States since 2000, when Vice Marshal Jo Myong Rok traveled to Washington to meet with former US President Bill Clinton in the Oval Office. Then-US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright traveled to North Korea later that month.

His trip comes as the United States and North Korea attempt to revive the summit, a potential diplomatic triumph for two countries technically still at war.

Kim Yong Chol (left) is expected to board a flight from Beijing to New York for talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

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