Kim Jong-un Signals Willingness to Engage in Dialogue with the US, While Maintaining a Confrontational Stance Towards South Korea

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un has indicated a potential for improved relations with the United States, while simultaneously maintaining a confrontational stance towards South Korea. This statement comes amid ongoing efforts to accelerate the country’s nuclear program and develop new weapons systems.

In a speech at the Korean Workers’ Party congress, Kim signaled that Pyongyang is open to dialogue with Washington in the future, with certain preconditions. “If (Washington) respects our country’s current status as enshrined in the Constitution and withdraws its hostile policies, there is no reason why we cannot be good friends with the United States,” Kim said, as quoted by Al Jazeera on Thursday (February 26).

Some observers view this as an indication that North Korea seeks to establish direct communication with the United States without involving Seoul.

North Korea expert Yang Moo Jin stated that North Korea is demonstrating its intention to establish relations with the US independently, without going through South Korea.

In contrast to his stance towards Washington, Kim made harsh statements regarding South Korea. “North Korea has absolutely no interest in South Korea, the most hostile entity to it, and will permanently exclude South Korea from the category of its citizens,” he said.

“As long as South Korea cannot escape the geopolitical conditions that require it to border us, the only way to live safely is to abandon everything related to us and leave us alone,” he added.

In the same forum, Kim also urged the acceleration of the development of new weapons systems to strengthen North Korea’s military. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that he set requirements for intercontinental ballistic missiles that can be launched from submarines.

In addition, Kim called for the expansion of tactical nuclear weapons, including artillery and short-range missiles capable of reaching South Korean territory. He affirmed that the acceleration of the nuclear and missile programs has strengthened the country’s position in recent years.

“Our status as a nuclear-armed state plays a crucial role in preventing potential enemy threats and maintaining regional stability,” Kim said.

He also described nuclear weapons as a guarantee and a means of protecting the security and interests of his country. (Fer/I-1)