Kim Jong Un rules out denuclearization, open to talks with US on ‘peaceful coexistence’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed willingness to engage in future discussions with the United States, provided that Washington abandoned its plans to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Monday.

“If the US abandons its empty obsession with denuclearization, accepts the reality and opts for a true peaceful coexistence with us, we have no reason not to meet them face-to-face,” Kim Jong Un told the Supreme People’s Assembly, which met in Pyongyang over the weekend.

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Kim reiterated that “there will never be any negotiations like trading something with enemies for sanctions relief.”

He also emphasised that possession of nuclear weapons was enshrined in the constitution.

“Why would we pursue ‘denuclearization’? To lift sanctions? No way! Absolutely not. I firmly declare: there will never, ever be ‘denuclearization’ for us,” he said.

He also mentioned having “fond memories” of his meetings with US President Donald Trump, with whom he held three high-profile summits during Trump’s first term.

As a “powerful political state,” North Korea will pursue economic growth in line with set goals while prioritizing the “indispensable strategic task of strengthening military power,” continuously updating its status as a global military power, he said.

Ruling out restoring relations with South Korea, he said, “We will not sit down at the same table with South Korea and will not do anything together. I clearly say that we will have no dealings with them,” he said.

North Korea has emerged as one of Russia’s main allies since Moscow invaded Ukraine, as Pyongyang sent thousands of soldiers and weapons to assist the Kremlin.

Last year, Moscow and Pyongyang signed a mutual defense agreement during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea.

Kim’s statement comes as Trump is likely to visit South Korea next month, coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, which will be held in Gyeongju.