Kim Jong Un Open to US Talks, But Insists on Keeping Nuclear Arsenal

TDT | Pyongyang

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed “fond memories” of former US President Donald Trump and indicated he is open to future talks with the United States—provided North Korea is allowed to retain its nuclear weapons.

Kim and Trump met three times during Trump’s first term, culminating in the 2019 Hanoi summit, which ended without an agreement over North Korea’s atomic arsenal. The US demand for complete denuclearisation has remained a major obstacle, while Pyongyang continues to face international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.

“If the United States abandons its delusional obsession with denuclearisation and genuinely seeks peaceful coexistence with us, there is no reason we cannot meet it,” Kim said in a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

“I still personally hold fond memories of the current US president, Trump,” he added.

Since the failed 2019 summit, North Korea has repeatedly stated that it will never give up its nuclear weapons, declaring itself an “irreversible” nuclear state. Kim reiterated that denuclearisation is not an option, warning that previous examples show the consequences of giving up nuclear arms.

Kim also criticised international sanctions, claiming they have only strengthened North Korea’s resilience. He dismissed the prospect of talks with South Korea under President Lee Jae-myung, saying Pyongyang has “no reason to sit down” with Seoul.

Analysts say Kim’s remarks reaffirm North Korea’s long-standing position that it must be recognised as a nuclear state before engaging in diplomatic dialogue.