"Good morning, everyone. I’m excited to announce this morning that Steve Biegun is joining our team as the special representative for North Korea," US State Secretary Mike Pompeo said.

He said: "Steve will direct U.S. policy towards North Korea and lead our efforts to achieve President Trump’s goal of the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, as agreed to by Chairman Kim Jong-un."

Biegun said all oppurtunities should be grabbed to establish a 'peaceful future' for North Korea.

Biegun said: "I fully understand the importance of this job – the President, you, and the American people – and what you expect from all of us in achieving a more peaceful world. The issues are tough, and they will be tough to resolve. But the President has created an opening, and its one that we must take by seizing every possible opportunity to realize the vision for a peaceful future for the people of North Korea."

"This begins with the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea as agreed by Chairman Kim Jong-un at the summit with President Trump in Singapore. I will work closely with my colleagues here at the State Department and throughout the U.S. Government, as well as our allies and partners around the world, to achieve our shared goal of a safer and more peaceful world," he said.

Image: twitter.com/SecPompeo