North Korea 'not keen' on engaging with US, South: Singapore FM

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Singapore: North Korea has shown no interest in engaging in diplomatic talks with the United States, South Korea, or Japan, according to Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. 

Speaking to reporters on Thursday following consecutive visits to Pyongyang and Seoul, Balakrishnan revealed that the reclusive state is instead prioritizing internal self-reliance and expanding its military deterrence.

The diplomat noted that while Pyongyang has strictly closed off communication channels with Washington and its regional allies, it has significantly deepened its strategic relationship with Russia, while China remains indispensable. 

This geopolitical shift comes despite repeated interests expressed by U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to revive frozen denuclearization talks.

Furthermore, Balakrishnan highlighted a stark shift in Pyongyang's policy, observing an absolute and categorical rejection of future reunification with the South. He noted that North Korea has codified this stance by rewriting its constitution to formally treat the two neighbors as entirely separate, adversarial states.

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