DAVID MCHUGH 

Germany.- One viral photo is telling it all about tensions at the G-7 summit. A picture of U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel displaying lessthan-friendly body language is turning out to be a defining image of the contentious meeting of the Group of Seven leaders of the world’s advanced economies.

The picture, snapped Saturday by German government photographer Jesco Denzel, shows a standing Merkel with her hands firmly planted on a table staring down at Trump, who is seated with his arms folded and eyes glaring.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stands next to Trump, also with folded arms, as French President Emmanuel Macron leans in next to Merkel.

The photo was tweeted by Merkel spokesman Steffen Seibert. Shortly afterward, the White House issued a separate photo showing a sitting Trump speaking as Merkel, Abe and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listen.

The BBC parsed the picture by identifying all nine individuals in it, including British Prime Minister Theresa May, who is barely visible, and Larry Kudlow, head of Trump’s National Economic Council as well as several Japanese officials and U.S. national security adviser John Bolton.</s>Singapore's PM Lee Hsien Loong surprised U.S. President Donald Trump with a birthday cake a day before the historic summit between North Korea and the United States.</s>Kim Jong Un met with Lee Hsien Loong ahead of Donald Trump's arrival in Singapore. Rough cut (no reporter narration)</s>The historic Trump-Kim summit could set developments in the Korean Peninsula on a constructive path, marking a U-turn in a situation that was heading in the wrong direction, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

This, in turn, affects the security of not just Asia, but the whole world, he said, adding that he hopes tomorrow's meeting - the first between a sitting United States President and a North Korean leader - will eventually lead to denuclearisation.

"That's a long process, but this is a first step. And if the first step happens in Singapore, well, we are happy to be associated with it."

PM Lee was speaking to Singapore media during a visit to the international media centre at the F1 Pit Building yesterday.

PM Lee noted that North Korea and South Korea have been at war since 1950. The North invaded the South on June 25 that year. Today, both sides remain technically at war.

Over the past three decades or so, North Korea embarked on a nuclear weapons programme.

Successive US presidents, other world leaders and the United Nations have tried to pressure and cajole the country into scrapping it but with little success.

PM Lee said yesterday there have been numerous discussions and agreements that were broken. Mistrust and misunderstanding has built up over the years as a result.

"So you cannot wipe that all away with one meeting," he said. "What you can hope to do is to start things moving in a positive direction."

PM Lee revealed that the bill for hosting the historic Trump-Kim summit will come to about $20 million, with security costs accounting for about half of that figure, but added that this is Singapore's contribution to an international endeavour that is "in our profound interest".

"It is a cost we are willing to pay," he said.

"From our point of view it's important that the meeting takes place, and that the meeting has a positive outcome, sets developments on a new trajectory - one that will be conducive to the security and stability of the region."

On what this means for Singapore, he said: "Indirectly an unstable or tense North-east Asia is not good for us. So we hope that this will lead to stability and peace in North-east Asia, and that indirectly will be to our benefit."

Singapore could also conceivably see its trade with North Korea grow in the long term if the geopolitical situation improves.

PM Lee noted that Singapore's trade with North Korea has substantially diminished to a "negligible level" of $700,000 last year - a 96 per cent drop from 2016.

Singapore was North Korea's seventh largest trading partner in 2017, before it suspended all trade with it in November that year in line with toughened sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council. Statistics on trade between the two countries are not readily available.

"Of course if there's an agreement, if there's progress, the sanctions are lifted, I expect our trade will grow," said PM Lee. "But it will take some time."

PM Lee met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un yesterday evening, and will meet US President Donald Trump today.

Asked what he intended to discuss with them, PM Lee replied: "I think they will be focused on their bilateral meeting. My meeting with them is a courtesy call, and I will of course hear what's on their minds, and I will tell them that they have our full support to make this a successful meeting."

FOR MORE, READ THE STRAITS TIMES TODAY</s>US President Donald Trump will today hold a meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, ahead of the historic US-North Korea summit tomorrow.

The meeting between the two leaders will be followed by expanded bilateral meetings and a working lunch.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that the President, Secretary of State, White House Chief of Staff, and National Security Adviser have arrived in Singapore for the June 12 summit.

Today, Sung Kim, a former US ambassador to South Korea and former nuclear negotiator with the North, will lead a US delegation for a working group with a North Korean delegation at the Ritz Carlton hotel, Sanders said.

"We are also planning a briefing by senior administration officials in the filing centre at the JW Marriott tentatively scheduled for 5pm local time," she said in the briefing note issued in Washington yesterday.

During the flight, the President spent time meeting with his staff, reading materials, and preparing for his meetings in Singapore.

He thanked Singapore's organisation of the summit as if it was "their own family affair".

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as the summit and the recent positive developments on the Korean peninsula.

Lee complimented the bold and admirable decision by Kim and Trump to come together for the Summit.

Prime Minister Lee wished Kim a success for the summit and expressed hope that the US-DPRK meeting will advance the prospects for peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and the larger region.

Singapore is one of the few countries that have diplomatic relations with both the US and North Korea.

Trump and Kim are set to meet on Tuesday at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa for talks which could see North Korea dismantle its nuclear arsenal in return for economic help and security guarantees.

The summit will be the first meeting between Trump and Kim and mark a turnaround of relations between the two leaders after a long-running exchange of furious threats and insults.

The two leaders have had an extraordinary up-and-down relationship over the past 18 months.

Some 2,500 journalists are reporting on the event, which is costing Singapore government about SGD 20 million.</s>SINGAPORE: Amid the flurry of activity in the lead-up to the historic US-North Korea summit, there was some time on Monday (Jun 11) to celebrate President Donald Trump's birthday.

He turns 72 on Thursday, and his Singapore hosts made sure that was not forgotten. A birthday cake was brought out during the working lunch at the Istana with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and officials from both sides.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan shared the moment on social media, saying: "Celebrating birthday, a bit early."



Lunch included dishes like lobster bisque, angus beef tenderloin and ice-cream, according to a copy of the menu spotted in a photo posted by Education Minister Ong Ye Kung on social media.



Mr Trump is widely reported to like his steak well done, with a side of ketchup. No word on how his beef was cooked at the lunch.

At the lunch, Mr Trump expressed optimism for Tuesday's meeting with Mr Kim and also thanked his Singapore hosts for their hospitality.

"We have a very interesting meeting in particular tomorrow, and I think things can work out very nicely," he said. "But we appreciate your hospitality and professionalism and your friendship."

Mr Trump also tweeted a video of highlights from his meeting with Mr Lee with the caption: "Thank you Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong!"

In a Facebook post on Monday evening, Mr Lee said that Mr Trump hosted him at the White House last October, and that he was "glad to reciprocate his hospitality". 



"I wished him all the best for tomorrow’s summit, which we hope will be a first step on the path to peace," the Prime Minister also said, adding that he was "looking forward to a positive outcome".

Mr Trump has accepted an invitation from his Singapore counterpart Halimah Yacob to make a state visit here in November.</s>Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today surprised Donald Trump with a birthday cake, ahead of the US President’s historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jung-un.

A picture of Trump smiling at the cake, decorated with fresh fruit, was shared on Twitter by Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan with the message saying “Celebrating birthday, a bit early“.

You can celebrate Trump’s birthday tonight in Jupiter at Abacoa Golf Club.

The post Happy 72nd Birthday President Trump, Celebrate at Abacoa Golf Club appeared first on 850 WFTL.</s>SINGAPORE: Amid the flurry of activity in the lead-up to the historic US-North Korea summit, there was some time on Monday (Jun 11) to celebrate President Donald Trump's birthday.

He turns 72 on Thursday, and his Singapore hosts made sure that was not forgotten. A birthday cake was brought out during the working lunch at the Istana with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and officials from both sides.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan shared the moment on social media, saying: "Celebrating birthday, a bit early."



Lunch included dishes like lobster bisque, angus beef tenderloin and ice-cream, according to a copy of the menu spotted in a photo posted by Education Minister Ong Ye Kung on social media.



Mr Trump is widely reported to like his steak well done, with a side of ketchup. No word on how his beef was cooked at the lunch.

At the lunch, Mr Trump expressed optimism for Tuesday's meeting with Mr Kim and also thanked his Singapore hosts for their hospitality.

"We have a very interesting meeting in particular tomorrow, and I think things can work out very nicely," he said. "But we appreciate your hospitality and professionalism and your friendship."

Mr Trump also tweeted a video of highlights from his meeting with Mr Lee with the caption: "Thank you Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong!"

In a Facebook post on Monday evening, Mr Lee said that Mr Trump hosted him at the White House last October, and that he was "glad to reciprocate his hospitality". 



"I wished him all the best for tomorrow’s summit, which we hope will be a first step on the path to peace," the Prime Minister also said, adding that he was "looking forward to a positive outcome".

Mr Trump has accepted an invitation from his Singapore counterpart Halimah Yacob to make a state visit here in November.</s>US President Donald Trump will today hold a meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, ahead of the historic US-North Korea summit on Tuesday. The meeting between the two leaders will be followed by expanded bilateral meetings and a working lunch.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that the President, Secretary of State, White House Chief of Staff, and National Security Adviser have arrived in Singapore for the June 12 summit. Today, Sung Kim, a former US ambassador to South Korea and former nuclear negotiator with the North, will lead a US delegation for a working group with a North Korean delegation at the Ritz Carlton hotel, Sanders said.

“We are also planning a briefing by senior administration officials in the filing centre at the JW Marriott tentatively scheduled for 5pm local time,” she said in the briefing note issued in Washington yesterday.

During the flight, the President spent time meeting with his staff, reading materials, and preparing for his meetings in Singapore. Chairman Kim on Sunday held a meeting with Prime Minister Lee. He thanked Singapore’s organisation of the summit as if it was “their own family affair”.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as the summit and the recent positive developments on the Korean peninsula. Lee complimented the bold and admirable decision by Kim and Trump to come together for the Summit.

Prime Minister Lee wished Kim a success for the summit and expressed hope that the US-DPRK meeting will advance the prospects for peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and the larger region. Singapore is one of the few countries that have diplomatic relations with both the US and North Korea.

Trump and Kim are set to meet on Tuesday at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa for talks which could see North Korea dismantle its nuclear arsenal in return for economic help and security guarantees. The summit will be the first meeting between Trump and Kim and mark a turnaround of relations between the two leaders after a long-running exchange of furious threats and insults.

The two leaders have had an extraordinary up-and-down relationship over the past 18 months. Some 2,500 journalists are reporting on the event, which is costing Singapore government about SGD 20 million.

For all the latest World News, download Indian Express App</s>The president's son is a frequent visitor to the glamorous TV star's Manhattan apartment, according to the New York tabloid.

Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle regularly spend quality time with each other on Tuesday evenings, a report in the New York Daily News claims.

In May, the Page Six gossip section of the New York Post alleged that U.S. President Donald Trump’s son and the Fox News Channel host had already been dating for several weeks. They were subsequently spotted at an upscale New York restaurant together, Page Six claimed.

Trump Jr. is in the process of divorcing his wife Vanessa after 12 years of marriage. Vanessa Trump, with whom he has five children, filed divorce paperwork in March in a Manhattan court, but the couple is still legally married.

Donald Trump Jr. has nearly 3 million followers on Twitter and was also a sought-after surrogate for the POTUS on the campaign trail.

A source told the Daily News that the Trump organization executive and former Apprentice franchise boardroom judge, and referred to as “KG” by her Fox News colleagues, are on a schedule.

“For the fourth straight Tuesday, Donald Trump Jr. enjoyed a date night with Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle, according to a source on the scene. The 40-year-old scion’s secret service detail dropped them both off outside the 49-year-old TV host’s Central Park West apartment for a nightcap. Passersby have noticed the black SUV’s with out of state plates parked near Guilfoyle’s building every Tuesday since early May… “‘The Secret Service got out, opened the back door, he came around, got out his bags, she got out of the truck, and they walked in the building together,’ according to an observer who claimed to have watched that same truck pass through Central Park before dropping off the pair. Three hours earlier, Guilfoyle’s son and nanny left in a cab so she and Trump Jr. could enjoy some grown-up time, according to our source.”

The popular and charismatic co-host of The Five, the political roundtable which airs live Monday through Friday at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Fox News, Kimberly Guilfoyle was reportedly under consideration for a job in the Trump White House, possibly as press secretary.

In late June 2017, however, she signed a long-term contract extension with the top-rated cable network.

The former high-profile California prosecutor in San Francisco and Los Angeles and later first lady of San Francisco when she was married to then-mayor Gavin Newsom (a Democrat who is his state’s lieutenant governor and candidate for governor), Kimberly Guilfoyle worked for ABC News, Court TV, and CNN before joining the Fox News Channel in January 2006.

In addition to The Five, Guilfoyle regularly appears on other FNC shows as a legal and political analyst.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Kimberly Guilfoyle is the daughter of an Irish cop and a Puerto Rican school teacher and was born in San Francisco. She is a graduate of UC Davis and the University of San Francisco School of Law. Modeling for the Victoria’s Secret catalog is also part of her resume, according to Cosmopolitan. Guilfoyle is a strong supporter of President Trump’s agenda. The twice-divorced Guilfoyle is, as alluded to above, a single mother of one son.

Neither Donald Trump Jr. nor Kimberly Guilfoyle has officially confirmed that they are in a relationship.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and U.S. President Donald Trump hold a bilateral meeting.