North Korean Leader Expresses Possibility of Future Talks with America on Condition of Abandoning Its 'Imaginary' Demand

SadaNews - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced on Monday his openness to the possibility of future talks with the United States, on the condition that Washington abandons its "imaginary" demand for denuclearization of his country.

Kim stated in a speech conveyed by the Korean Central News Agency that, "If the United States gives up its obsession with denuclearization and wishes for peaceful coexistence with us in recognition of reality, then there will be nothing to hinder that."

At the same time, he affirmed that Pyongyang "will never give up its nuclear weapons," warning that the world knows what happens to countries that are forced to abandon their arsenals.

Kim mentioned that he still holds "fond memories" of former US President Donald Trump, with whom he held three summits before negotiations collapsed in Hanoi in 2019.

While Kim ruled out any negotiations with South Korea, considering it the "main enemy," he rejected attempts by its President Lee Jae-myung to ease tensions, emphasizing that the North "will not engage with it in any way."

Pyongyang has severed ties and closed communication channels with South Korea in recent years.

These statements come as North Korea continues to develop its nuclear and missile programs despite strict international sanctions, while Trump is expected to visit South Korea next month to attend the "APEC" forum in Gyeongju.

North Korea remains subject to a series of United Nations Security Council resolutions that impose economic sanctions and a ban on arms supplies, limiting its ability to finance its military programs.

Despite this, Pyongyang has continued to make significant progress in developing its nuclear arsenal and long-range ballistic missiles.

In contrast, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has, since taking office last June, proposed initiatives aimed at reducing tensions with the North.

He emphasized that dialogue with Pyongyang is a necessity, proposing practical steps to build trust between the two sides, in preparation for a gradual end to North Korea's nuclear program.