North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed positive recollections of his interactions with US President Donald Trump and signaled openness to future dialogues with the United States, contingent upon retaining his country’s nuclear arsenal.
Kim and Trump engaged in three high-profile summits during Trump’s initial term, with negotiations faltering in Hanoi in 2019 due to disagreements over Pyongyang’s willingness to compromise on its nuclear weapons program. The persistent US demand for denuclearization has been a longstanding point of contention, leading to North Korea facing successive rounds of UN sanctions related to its nuclear and missile activities.
Kim conveyed that if the US shifts its focus away from unrealistic denuclearization expectations and genuinely desires peaceful coexistence, diplomatic discussions could resume. Notably, Kim shared his favorable memories of President Trump during an extensive address to North Korea’s parliamentary body.
Following the unsuccessful 2019 summit, North Korea has adamantly emphasized its commitment to maintaining its nuclear capabilities, categorizing itself as an “irreversible” nuclear power. Kim affirmed that relinquishing nuclear weapons was not up for negotiation, citing concerns about the aftermath of disarmament efforts coerced by the US.
Despite international sanctions, Kim asserted that North Korea has fortified its resilience and strength in the face of external pressure. Additionally, Kim dismissed the prospect of engaging in talks with South Korea, despite efforts by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to ease tensions.
The rhetoric from Kim’s speech reflects a blend of confidence and urgency, aimed at both foreign audiences and domestic constituents. Analysts suggest that Kim’s recent actions have been influenced by the conflict in Ukraine, with North Korea consolidating support from Russia and deepening their bilateral ties, including a mutual defense agreement signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang.
As speculations swirl about Trump’s upcoming visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), experts note the strategic timing of Kim’s statements, hinting at the potential for a surprise summit and appealing to Trump’s aspirations for a Nobel Prize.