Kim Jong Un Offers Talks If U.S. Drops Denuclearisation Demand
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that Pyongyang would consider resuming talks with the United States if Washington stops insisting on denuclearisation as a precondition. He made the remarks during a speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly.
Nuclear Arsenal Non-Negotiable
Kim stressed that North Korea will never surrender its nuclear weapons. He described the arsenal as vital for national survival, particularly in light of joint U.S.-South Korea military drills, which he denounced as provocations and threats to stability.
Fond Memories of Trump
The North Korean leader also reflected on his past meetings with former U.S. President Donald Trump, saying he holds “fond personal memories” of those encounters. Kim signaled that his openness to dialogue is aimed especially at Trump’s administration.
South Korea’s Response
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung welcomed Kim’s remarks as a possible opening for talks. He suggested a phased plan, starting with a freeze on nuclear production as an interim measure, instead of demanding immediate and complete denuclearisation.
