North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said that the past talks with the United States only confirmed Washington's "unchanging" hostility toward Pyongyang. These words were spoken at an arms exhibition, where the latest missiles were demonstrated, Bloomberg reports, UNN.
"We have already gone as far as we could in negotiations with the United States, and what we have confirmed in the end is not the superpower's readiness for coexistence, but its uncompromising position of force and unchanging invasive and hostile policy toward North Korea," Kim said in a speech published by state media on Friday.
Photos released by the Korean Central News Agency show Kim speaking on a podium surrounded by Pyongyang's latest intercontinental ballistic missiles. North Korea's latest ICBM test in October set a new record for flight duration just days before the US presidential election.
Kim's comments came amid speculation that Donald Trump's election victory could lead to another change in the US position in relations with Pyongyang. The president-elect repeatedly spoke of "very good" relations with Kim during the election campaign.
During his first term, Trump flew halfway around the world to meet with Kim at the highest level, betting that his personal diplomacy could overcome the stumbling blocks.
Trump scaled back major joint exercises with South Korea in an attempt to negotiate with Kim directly, and Pyongyang briefly suspended missile tests.
But the collapse of the talks at the second summit in Hanoi showed how far apart the opponents are even after meeting in person. Trump refused to make partial concessions, and Kim refused to simply abandon his nuclear program, something the regime has resisted for decades.
Under Kim's leadership, North Korea has accelerated the development of missiles and nuclear weapons, and has intensified its aggressive rhetoric toward South Korea.
Recent statements suggest that Kim is not interested in restoring direct diplomatic relations with Trump.
The geopolitical situation has also changed since the last meeting between the two leaders: Pyongyang has felt more confident after increased support from Moscow. Kim has become a critical ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his war in Ukraine.
Кім Чен Ин пообіцяв нарощувати ядерний потенціал КНДР "безмежно" - Bloomberg18.11.24, 06:45
So far, North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops to fight alongside Putin's army in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops occupied part of the border area.
Growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow have raised concerns about North Korea's ability to strengthen its armed forces and maintain its regime with Russian support.
"We will continue to take decisive action to eliminate all military threats to the country and people," Kim said.