North Korean leader notes importance of enhancing country’s defence capabilities Amidst possible talks with US

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has underscored the critical importance of enhancing the country’s defence capabilities while not ruling out the possibility of negotiations with the United States.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the delivery of 250 new tactical missile systems to the military, Kim Jong Un emphasized that both negotiations and confrontation could be options for North Korea, but preparation for confrontation must be paramount, Caliber.Az reports, citing North Korean media.

“Negotiations and confrontation could be our choices, but we must be better prepared for confrontation,” Kim said.

He noted that three decades of interactions with the US have led North Korea to this conclusion, which forms the basis of its policy towards the United States.

Kim reiterated his stance, saying, “Let me emphasize once again: whether we face negotiations or confrontation, having powerful military forces is both a duty and a right of a sovereign state that should not be compromised.” He further pointed out that the “hostility of the US” towards North Korea persists regardless of the administration in power, highlighting the need for continuous enhancement of the country’s defense capabilities.

The North Korean leader expressed confidence in the military superiority of the Korean People's Army. “We have taken operational initiative across the front, based on absolute superiority over our adversary in offensive and strike capabilities, and have improved the effectiveness of our tactical nuclear weapons,” Kim Jong Un was quoted as saying by KCNA. He also revealed that the new missile systems were developed in less than a year.

“The firepower of these weapon systems allows us to have a reliable and overwhelming capability to deter the reckless provocations of our enemies. The entire world can see the development of our military forces,” he added, emphasizing the ongoing progress in North Korea's military advancements.