US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are preparing for an unprecedented summit in Singapore that could define the fate of millions as well as their own political futures.

Trump today predicted a “nice” outcome to tomorrow's talks, while Kim spent the day out of view as both sides finalised their preparations.

Events were due to begin at 9am local time (2am BST) tomorrow morning with a handshake between the two leaders before a one-on-one meeting, with only translators present for up to two hours before any advisers are admitted.

Trump had been due to fly back to Washington on Wednesday morning after spending the day with the North Korean leader. But the president altered his timetable, opting to return almost 15 hours earlier than scheduled.

A White House spokesperson said: “The discussions between the United States and North Korea are ongoing and have moved more quickly than expected.”