New york: A senior North Korean diplomat reiterated Monday that Pyongyang will never renounce its nuclear program "under any circumstances," emphasizing it as a "sacred" and "absolute" asset. Speaking at a U.N. General Assembly debate, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong highlighted North Korea's openness to engage with nations that show "respect" and adopt a "friendly" stance towards the country.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim's address marked the first instance since 2018 that a high-level North Korean official spoke at the Assembly, following the attendance of then Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho. During his address, Kim asserted the nuclear program as intrinsic to North Korea's state law, national policy, and sovereign power, underlining its codification in the country's constitution.

Kim criticized military exercises conducted by the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, describing them as provocations. Despite these criticisms, he expressed a willingness to foster exchanges with countries adopting a friendly approach towards the DPRK. The vice minister's comments coincide with efforts by Seoul and Washington to reengage with Pyongyang for peace in the region.

Speculation suggests potential dialogue between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during Trump's visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Kim indicated openness to discussions with the U.S. contingent on the abandonment of denuclearization demands.

On Monday, Kim met with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the Korean Peninsula's situation and cooperation prospects between North Korea and the U.N., according to the spokesperson for the U.N. chief.