North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said his country is willing to denuclearise – or else he “would not be here” at a second round of talks with Donald Trump in Hanoi.

In remarks that will give heart to those hoping genuine progress can emerge from the summit between the US and North Korean leaders, Mr Kim also said he would welcome the idea of opening a US liaison office in his country.

Speaking to reporters as he and Mr Trump and their teams of top advisors sat for their second session of detailed talks - for the US, that included secretary of state Mike Pompeo and national security advisor John Bolton – Mr Kim appeared reluctant to answer while the media was in the room.

But Mr Trump reportedly said he wanted to hear his counterpart’s answer, and praised it when he heard it, saying it was something he agreed with.

“I actually think it’s a good idea,” said the US president.

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When he was asked if North Korea was prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal, Mr Kim said: “If I’m not willing to do that, I wouldn’t be here right now.” CNN said the North Korean leader’s comment could also be translated as “I wouldn’t have come here, if I didn’t have the will”.

After hearing Mr Kim’s reply, the US president responded: “That’s a good answer. Wow. That might be the best answer you’ve ever heard.”

Kim Jong Un says a diplomatic US office in Pyongyang would be 'welcomable'

While Mr Kim has said his country is wiling to denuclearise, it has taken few steps in that direction since the two countries had their historic first meeting last June in Singapore. Most experts believe it will require many years, and many concessions and assurances from the US and the international community, for Pyongyang to agree to such a step.

Western reporters also asked Mr Kim if he and Mr Trump were going to discuss the human rights situation in his country.

Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch said North Korea was “arguably the worst human rights abusing government in the world today”.

Deputy Asia director Phil Robertson, added: “Any dialogue with Kim Jong-un should not leave rights off the table. Pyongyang wants to be brought in from the cold by the international community but there can be no glossing over the DPRK’s widespread use of forced and child labour, systemic suppression of free expression and civil society, and gulags holding tens of thousands in the mountains.”