North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says he still has positive memories of U.S. President Donald Trump but insists that Washington must drop its demand for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons before any diplomatic talks can resume, according to a report from the Associated Press.
Speaking on Sunday to North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly, Kim made it clear that dialogue with South Korea is off the table, calling the South a “rival” and criticizing its role in past negotiations. His comments were released by state media on Monday.
Kim’s remarks coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s departure for the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is expected to address rising nuclear tensions and urge Pyongyang to return to talks. Meanwhile, former President Trump is scheduled to visit South Korea next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. His visit has fueled speculation about a possible meeting with Kim, similar to their last encounter at the inter-Korean border in 2019, which failed to revive nuclear talks.
In his latest address, Kim reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, which analysts believe he views as essential for regime survival and the continuation of his family’s rule.
“The world knows what happens when countries give up their nuclear weapons under U.S. pressure,” Kim said. “We will never lay down our nuclear arms. There will be no negotiations—now or ever—about trading anything for sanctions relief with hostile forces.”
Despite his hardline stance, Kim noted he still holds “good personal memories” of his early meetings with Trump and suggested that talks with the U.S. could resume—if Washington drops its “delusional obsession” with denuclearization.