North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has said he is open to renewed talks with the United States if Washington abandons demands for denuclearisation, though he ruled out giving up his nuclear weapons to secure relief from sanctions. His remarks were reported by state media on September 22, following a speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly.
«Personally, I still have fond memories of US President Trump,» Kim was quoted as saying.
The two leaders met three times during Trump’s first term, but negotiations collapsed six years ago over sanctions and nuclear dismantlement. Kim’s reference to Trump was his first by name since Trump took office in January, a gesture analysts saw as an invitation to revisit US policy.
«If the United States drops the absurd obsession with denuclearising us and accepts reality, and wants genuine peaceful coexistence, there is no reason for us not to sit down,» Kim said.
Praise for Trump, Rejection of Seoul
While extending warm words to Trump, Kim dismissed dialogue with South Korea, branding it a principal enemy. He argued that nuclear weapons were essential for North Korea’s survival in the face of joint US–South Korean military drills, which he described as rehearsals for nuclear war.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung told Reuters that Pyongyang was producing up to 20 nuclear bombs annually. He said a freeze on production could form the basis for medium-term reductions and, eventually, full dismantlement once trust was rebuilt. Kim rejected this phased approach, saying recent offers of dialogue from both Washington and Seoul were insincere.
«The world already knows full well what the United States does after it makes a country give up its nuclear weapons,» Kim said. «We will never give up our nuclear weapons.»
Sanctions and Strategy
Kim argued sanctions had made North Korea more resilient. The country has faced UN restrictions since its first nuclear test in 2006 yet has continued to expand its arsenal and missile programme. President Lee countered that pressure had only worsened the issue and urged Trump to meet Kim during his visit to South Korea next month for an Asia-Pacific summit.
Analysts suggested Kim’s remarks were aimed at bypassing Seoul and pushing for direct talks with Washington. Lee admitted Pyongyang had refused to engage with the South but insisted creating conditions for dialogue remained essential.
Kursiv also reports that U.S. President Donald Trump said on August 25 that he hopes to meet Kim Jong Un again this year.
