US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called on North Korea to free three American prisoners during a visit to Pyongyang.

Mr Pompeo is finalising the details of the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and has been pushing for the release of Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak Song and Tony Kim, who are accused of anti-state activities.

US officials have also been pushing for their release during the visit, but Pyongyang has given no guarantees.

Mr Pompeo said: "I think it would be a great gesture if they would agree to do so."

'Time and place set for North Korea meeting'

The time and date of Mr Trump's planned meeting with Mr Kim has now been agreed on, but he has yet to reveal where or when it will happen.


Former CIA chief Mr Pompeo met Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of the central committee of North Korea's ruling party, for lunch.

The pair discussed the possible agenda for the meeting.

Former spy chief Mr Kim said: "I have high expectations the United States will play a very big role in establishing peace."

He also denied that North Korea was at the negotiating table because of pressure from outside sanctions.

"For decades, we have been adversaries," Mr Pompeo said. "Now we are hopeful that we can work together to resolve this conflict, take away threats to the world and make your country have all the opportunities your people so richly deserve."

Kim Jong Un goes to China

It is his second visit to North Korea - he visited at Easter before he was officially appointed as America's top diplomat.

Mr Trump has said he believes "relationships are building with North Korea".

"We will see how it all works out," he said. "Maybe it won't. But it can be a great thing for North Korea, South Korea and the entire world."

Asked whether the three Americans held in North Korea would be freed, Mr Trump told reporters: "We'll all soon be finding out. We'll soon be finding out. It would be a great thing if they are."

The only American to have been freed from North Korea during the Trump presidency is Otto Warmbier, who returned to the US in a coma and died. He had been captive for 17 months.