North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Open to Talks with Trump if U.S. Drops Nuclear Disarmament Demands

Kokcha News Agency – In a speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly on Sunday, September 21, Kim Jong Un stated that he is open to negotiations with Donald Trump, but only if the U.S. abandons its “unreasonable” demands for North Korea’s denuclearization. This marks the first time Kim has shown readiness for dialogue since his failed summit with Trump in 2019.

Kim Jong Un, who has met Trump three times, said, “If the U.S. drops its unreasonable demands for our disarmament, accepts reality, and seeks peaceful coexistence, there is no reason not to negotiate with them.” He added that he still holds “good memories” of his interactions with Trump.

The North Korean leader’s remarks come as South Korea’s new liberal government has urged Trump to resume talks with Pyongyang, six years after negotiations over sanctions and nuclear disarmament collapsed. Kim, however, rejected any phased approach to disarmament, calling recent proposals from Washington and Seoul insincere, as they aim to weaken North Korea and dismantle its regime.

Kim Jong Un emphasized that North Korea’s nuclear weapons are essential for defending against “serious threats” from the U.S. and South Korea. He pointed to joint military exercises by the U.S. and its allies, which he claimed were preparations for nuclear war.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, in an interview with Reuters, acknowledged that North Korea produces 15 to 20 nuclear bombs annually. He suggested that any agreement halting this production would be a useful step toward complete disarmament. However, Kim Jong Un dismissed this approach, stating, “The world knows what the U.S. does after forcing a country to disarm. We will never give up our nuclear weapons.”

Despite years of international sanctions and arms embargoes, North Korea has made significant advancements in its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Kim described the sanctions as a “learning experience” that has made the country stronger and more resilient.