North Korea signals possible US rapprochement, with one condition
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (photo: Getty Images)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has stated that he is willing to engage in dialogue with the US if Washington abandons its demand for complete denuclearization, according to Reuters.
On Sunday, in a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly, Kim said that North Korea has no reason to avoid talks with the US. At the same time, he emphasized that Pyongyang will never give up its nuclear arsenal, even in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.
Kim also expressed warm memories of past meetings with US President Donald Trump. The two leaders met three times during Trump’s first term, and according to Kim, these encounters left positive impressions.
"If the United States drops the absurd obsession with denuclearising us and accepts reality, and wants genuine peaceful coexistence, there is no reason for us not to sit down with the United States,” Kim Jong Un said.
The North Korean leader emphasized that the development of nuclear weapons was once a matter of survival to protect the country from serious threats posed by the US and South Korea. He also noted that sanctions have made North Korea stronger and more resilient, serving as a learning experience.
At the same time, Kim stated that recent attempts by Washington and Seoul to initiate negotiations are insincere, as their true goal remains to destroy the North and its regime.
North Korea continues to expand its nuclear arsenal and develop powerful ballistic missiles despite numerous UN Security Council resolutions and economic restrictions.
North Korea is also preparing to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party in October. The central event of the celebrations is expected to be a grand military parade, showcasing the country’s modern equipment and combat capabilities.
On September 3, Beijing hosted a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the war against Japan and World War II. Following the event, Xi Jinping stated that China will strengthen strategic communications and deepen cooperation with North Korea.
