Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday said he had "reasons for optimism" that planned talks between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could produce an agreement on denuclearization.

“Right now, I think there’s a lot of reasons for optimism, that the negotiations will be fruitful,” Mattis said, adding, “We’ll see.”

Mattis' remarks came in brief question-and answer session with reporters, as Mattis met with Thailand Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon at the Pentagon.

On Friday, North Korea announced it will suspend nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches.

Kim said North Korea no longer needs the tests and also announced its nuclear testing facility at Punggye-ri would be closed.