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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that he is open to talks with the United States if Washington ceases its demand for denuclearization, but insists that his country will never relinquish its nuclear weapons to lift sanctions. According to state media, Kim mentioned during the Supreme People’s Assembly on Sunday, “I still cherish good memories of U.S. President Trump,” recalling their three meetings during Trump’s administration.
Kim emphasized that there is no reason to avoid dialogue if the U.S. drops its irrational obsession with forcing North Korea to denuclearize and recognizes the reality of the situation. He asserted that the country developed nuclear weapons as a matter of survival in response to perceived threats from the U.S. and South Korea, citing ongoing military drills by the allies which he claims have transformed into preparations for nuclear war.
He criticized recent overtures from Washington and Seoul, describing them as insincere efforts aimed at weakening North Korea and toppling his regime, citing South Korea’s phased proposal to end North Korea’s nuclear program as proof. Kim declared, “The world already knows what the U.S. does once a country disarms. We will never surrender our nuclear capabilities.”
Kim made it clear that negotiations are not an option for eternity, stating, “There will never be, and will never ever be for eternity, any negotiations with enemies over some obsession with lifting sanctions.” He claims sanctions have only served to strengthen his country and make it more resilient, despite ongoing UN Security Council resolutions that have restricted funding for military development, which North Korea continues to advance.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung recently told Reuters that these sanctions have failed to deter North Korea, which is reportedly increasing its stockpile of nuclear weapons by 15 to 20 every year. Lee acknowledged that previous strategies based on sanctions and pressure have worsened the situation and highlighted the need for renewed dialogue, proposing steps toward confidence-building and eventual denuclearization.
Lee also noted that although there are significant challenges to restarting talks with North Korea, a phased approach to dismantling Pyongyang’s nuclear program remains the most realistic option, with the involvement of former President Trump playing a crucial role in creating the right conditions for dialogue.
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