Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has indicated that Pyongyang is open to improving relations with the United States, provided that Washington abandons its hostile policies toward the North. However, Kim dismissed South Korea's efforts for dialogue as "deceptive," as reported by the North's state media on Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim made these comments during a policy review session at the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, which concluded its weeklong proceedings recently. "We have no reason not to get along with the United States if it respects our country's current status, as defined in the North Korean constitution, and drops its hostile policy toward North Korea," Kim stated, emphasizing that the future of North Korea-U.S. relations hinges on Washington's approach.
Kim warned that North Korea is prepared for either peaceful coexistence or continued confrontation, and the decision rests with the U.S. Despite leaving the door open for talks with Washington, Kim criticized South Korea's reconciliatory gestures under the Lee Jae Myung administration, branding them as "deceptive." He declared that North Korea would exclude South Korea from being considered "the same people."
In 2023, inter-Korean relations have remained strained, with North Korea maintaining a hostile stance toward Seoul. Kim accused past South Korean administrations of trying to destabilize the North Korean regime and dismissed the current government's efforts as superficial deceit.
Kim reaffirmed North Korea's commitment to strengthening its nuclear capabilities, stating that the country's status as a nuclear-armed state serves as a deterrent against potential threats and helps maintain regional stability. He outlined plans to enhance nuclear forces over the next five years, including increasing nuclear weapons production and developing new defense technologies.
The North Korean leader highlighted priorities for defense buildup, including the development of on-land and underwater-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), AI-equipped drones, surveillance satellites, and strategic weapons. He also stressed the importance of advancing naval capabilities, suggesting the pursuit of a nuclear-powered submarine and stronger naval power.
The KCNA reported that Kim places significant importance on nuclearizing naval forces and enhancing naval operational capabilities as part of North Korea's military strategy.