US President Donald Trump said Monday that he has recently communicated with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, suggesting that Pyongyang has responded to the White House’s efforts to open talks.

Axar.az reports, citing CNN, that Trump told reporters that Kim had responded to US requests to “have a conversation,” but did not disclose details about the communication.

His comments came a day after Trump announced plans to reduce US military exercises with South Korea, citing Seoul’s lack of assistance to Washington in the conflict with Iran and his positive relationship with Kim.

Defending the decision, Trump said his approach to the North Korean leader was making the world safer.

“I’m making it much safer. I’m actually making it much safer. Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect. And we met on numerous occasions, actually two primary occasions. Spoken and spent time,” Trump said.

“I understand him. He understands me. … I get along with him very well. What I’m doing is making things safer,” he added.

Earlier, Trump said that he had a good relationship with Kim Jong Un.