Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has urged the nation's armed forces to evolve into an "invincible" entity during a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, as reported by state media on Saturday. In his address on Friday night, Kim emphasized the importance of enhancing the country's defense capabilities, while notably refraining from issuing direct threats toward South Korea or the United States.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim underscored the notion that the defense and assurance of North Korea's sovereignty rely solely on strength. He elaborated on the need for the military to become an unmatched force capable of neutralizing any threats within their self-defense perimeter, achieving superiority in various domains, and maintaining elite standards through discipline and morality.
Kim's comments come at a time when North Korea is advancing its missile and weapons development as part of a five-year defense strategy. The latest parade featured the debut of the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile. Additionally, Kim praised the military as a "source of strength" for the Workers' Party of Korea and acknowledged the role of North Korean troops collaborating with Russia in the conflict with Ukraine.
Kim's remarks highlighted the perceived ideological and spiritual excellence demonstrated by North Korean forces in supporting "international justice and genuine peace" on foreign soil. The presence of foreign dignitaries, including Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, at the party's anniversary events underscored the international dimension of the celebrations.
While Kim pledged to persist in opposing "injustice and hegemony," a statement seemingly directed at the U.S., his speech avoided any aggressive rhetoric against Washington or Seoul. In a recent parliamentary session, Kim expressed positive recollections of former U.S. President Donald Trump and signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S., contingent upon the removal of demands for denuclearization.