Seoul: North Korea on Monday emphasized self-reliance as the essential path to national development and prosperity amid speculation over a potential meeting between leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump during this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's main newspaper, highlighted in a front-page article that self-reliance is a "powerful weapon" for the country's growth, regardless of changing conditions and environments. The paper warned that seeking progress with external help is tantamount to "self-destruction."

President Trump expressed his desire to meet with Kim during his visit to South Korea on October 29-30 for the APEC gathering. This has led to speculation about a possible repeat of their 2019 meeting at the Panmunjom border village. However, North Korea has remained silent on Trump's proposal.

Kim Jong-un previously stated that he has "good memories" of Trump and is open to talks with the United States, should Washington reconsider its stance on North Korea's denuclearization demand.