President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have shared a historic handshake as they meet for the first time.

The two clasped hands for a long while Tuesday as they posed for photos in front of a row of US and North Korean flags.

Trump then directed Kim to walk down a hallway, where they briefly spoke.

Addressing the media briefly after their handshake Trump said while sitting next to Kim: "It's my honor -- we will have a terrific relationship, I have no doubt".

Kim Jong Un in turn said: "We overcame all obstacles and came here today."

Tuesday’s meeting is the first ever between a sitting US president and North Korean leader.

The two leaders are expected to meet alone, with a pair of translators, for about 45 minutes.

Trump has said he’ll know within minutes whether a deal can be made to settle a standoff over Pyongyang’s nuclear program.

Trump earlier defended his decision to meet with Kim, tweeting that North Korea has already released three detainees and that missile tests have halted.