CNN reports that secret, direct talks are under way between the United States and North Korea to prepare for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

CNN on Saturday quoted multiple government officials familiar with the discussions as saying that the talks are a sign that planning for the highly anticipated meeting is progressing.

The report said that Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo, tapped as Trump's new secretary of the state, has been working through intelligence back-channels to prepare for the summit.

CNN said that officials from the United States and North Korea have spoken several times and even met in a third country, with the first intention being on deciding a date to hold the talks.

North Koreans officials have reportedly indicated they wanted to hold the summit in their capital of Pyongyang, but the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar has also been mentioned as a possibility.

Talks are reportedly underway for Pompeo to first meet with his North Korean counterpart.

CNN said that once they agree upon a location for the summit, officials will then work on targeting a date and setting the agenda for the talks.

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