U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said he sent North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a “very friendly” letter in response to an earlier letter from Kim wishing him a happy birthday.

Speaking during a signing of new sanctions on Iran, the U.S. President reiterated that he believed North Korea has great potential.

“(Kim) actually sent me birthday wishes and it was a friendly letter,” Trump, who turned 74 in June, said in comments carried by AFP. 

Earlier on Monday White House Press Secretary issued a statement confirming that Trump had replied to Kim’s letter.

“A letter was sent by President