Pyongyang: North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States if President Donald Trump abandons demands for denuclearisation. Despite facing economic sanctions and arms embargoes from the UN Security Council, Kim has continued to develop North Korea's nuclear programme. In a speech reported by state media on Monday, Kim stated that he would never trade away the nuclear arsenal just to be free of sanctions.

According to France24.com, Kim, during his address at the Supreme People's Assembly on Sunday, mentioned having fond memories of his meetings with President Trump. The two leaders had met three times during Trump's first presidency. The comments come as the new liberal government in Seoul encourages Trump to take initiative in renewing dialogue with Pyongyang, following a six-year hiatus in peace talks due to disagreements over sanctions and nuclear dismantlement.

Kim highlighted the actions of the United States in dealing with countries that disarm their nuclear capabilities. "We will never give up our nuclear weapons," he emphasized. Highlighting a firm stance, Kim declared that there would be no negotiations with adversaries in exchange for lifting sanctions, asserting that these sanctions had only strengthened North Korea's resilience and resolve.

Despite being under a series of UN-imposed economic sanctions and arms embargoes, North Korea has continued to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, in an interview with Reuters, noted that the sanctions had failed to deter North Korea, which continues to expand its nuclear arsenal annually. Lee advocated for dialogue with Pyongyang and proposed a phased approach to dismantling its nuclear programme, underscoring the need for creating conducive conditions for dialogue.

President Lee believes that Trump has a crucial role in facilitating these efforts, despite the challenges in reopening talks with the North. He emphasized the importance of building confidence to eventually end North Korea's nuclear programme.