North Korea's UN Speech Signals Dialogue Will, Stance on Nuclear Weapons Unchanged
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has proposed rebuilding trust and mutual respect with North Korea. Meanwhile, North Korea's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Son-gyong addressed the UN General Assembly, marking the first such appearance since 2018.
Kim Son-gyong, in a more tempered speech than previous North Korean remarks on the world stage, reiterated the country's stance on its nuclear weapons. He stated that North Korea views its nuclear program, enshrined in its constitution, as crucial for maintaining a 'balance of power' with South Korea.
The diplomat blamed US-led military exercises with South Korea and Japan for increasing aggression. He alluded to US President Donald Trump without naming him directly, suggesting that the US is the root cause of tensions in the region.
South Korea, however, sees these trilateral military exercises as necessary to counter North Korea's nuclear threats. President Lee Jae-myung has proposed restoring inter-Korean trust and mutual respect, despite the ongoing nuclear issue.
North Korea's nuclear program remains a contentious issue, with the UN Security Council demanding that North Korea stop building nuclear weapons and missiles. Kim Son-gyong's appearance at the UN signals a willingness to engage in dialogue, albeit with a firm stance on its nuclear weapons. South Korea continues to advocate for diplomacy, while maintaining its military preparedness.
