US President Donald Trump on Tuesday confirmed he plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, in what would be their third meeting across Trump’s two terms in office. Trump did not give a date for the meeting, but reports have suggested it could take place in November, when he is due to travel to China for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

“I get along with him, and you know what? The fact that I get along with him – that’s a good thing, not a bad thing,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

He also said Kim had “57 very powerful nuclear weapons”. “Should have never allowed it to happen,” Trump said. “They should have never allowed it. If I were president, I wouldn’t have allowed it. But he’s got them.”

Previous intelligence assessments have estimated that North Korea has between 50 and 60 active nuclear warheads. Trump’s comments were notable because they appeared to be the first time a US official had publicly given a specific figure.

The announcement came two days after Trump ordered the US to scale back what he described as “inappropriate and hostile” military drills with South Korea.

He cited his “good relationship” with Kim as one reason for the decision.

Trump and Kim met three times during his first term as president. At the time, Trump said the two had “fell in love” after exchanging “beautiful letters”.

They have not met during Trump’s second term.

In recent days, Trump has also hinted at communications with Kim, although he declined on Wednesday to confirm whether the two had been exchanging letters.

Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader’s powerful sister, said on Wednesday that she was “unaware” of reports of communication between her brother and Trump. But she said relations between the two countries’ leaders remained “excellent”.