North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Wednesday that he plans to visit South Korea by the end of the year in what would be the first trip to South Korea by a leader from the North.

 

The New York Times reported that Kim said following a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in that he will visit South Korea "in the near future." The statement came at the conclusion of the third meeting this year between the two leaders.

 

While the previous two meetings took place on the border of North and South Korea, this week's meeting occurred in Pyongyang, North Korea.

 

Moon told reporters that Kim had agreed to dismantle a missile test site and launch pad in the presence of international observers.

 

The South Korean president also said Kim had agreed to dismantle a nuclear complex on the condition that the United States takes corresponding steps, though it's unclear what actions the U.S. would have to take.

 

The two countries plan to submit a joint bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympic games, as well.

 

President Trump hailed the developments as "very exciting."

 

The recent negotiations between leaders from North and South Korea mark a breakthrough in relations following years of tension and harsh rhetoric between the two sides dating back to the Korean War.

 

Wednesday's development also represented progress for the Trump administration amid efforts to denuclearize the Korean peninsula following months of stagnation.

 

Officials had acknowledged the North had not taken concrete steps to dismantle its nuclear arsenal in the time since Trump and Kim met in Singapore in June.

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