North Korea’s Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un, has suggested that his country could improve relations with the United States if Washington accepts the reality of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. The remarks came during the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, a major political gathering where the country’s leadership outlines its long-term strategies and policies.
Speaking at the congress, Kim stated that the future relationship between North Korea and the United States depends largely on Washington’s approach toward Pyongyang’s nuclear status. He emphasized that North Korea’s nuclear weapons are now a permanent part of the country’s national defense and are even recognized in its constitution.
According to Kim, if the United States respects North Korea’s current nuclear position and abandons what Pyongyang describes as its “hostile policy,” there could be an opportunity for the two countries to coexist peacefully. “If Washington respects our present nuclear position as stipulated in the Constitution and withdraws its hostile policy, there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the United States,” Kim said.
His statement signals a familiar stance from North Korea’s leadership: a willingness to discuss improved relations while firmly refusing to give up its nuclear arsenal. For years, the North Korean government has argued that its nuclear weapons are essential for national security and for deterring potential military threats.
Kim also stressed that the direction of relations between the two countries will depend entirely on decisions made by Washington. According to him, the United States has the power to determine whether the relationship will evolve into peaceful coexistence or remain locked in confrontation.
“Whether it’s peaceful coexistence or permanent confrontation, we are ready for either,” Kim said, making it clear that North Korea believes the next step lies in the hands of American policymakers.
Relations between the United States and North Korea have long been tense, largely due to disagreements over Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program. The United States has repeatedly demanded that North Korea abandon its nuclear capabilities as a condition for lifting sanctions and improving diplomatic relations.
North Korea, however, has consistently rejected those demands, insisting that its nuclear program is non-negotiable and necessary for protecting the country’s sovereignty.
Kim’s remarks at the party congress suggest that North Korea is open to dialogue but only under conditions that recognize its nuclear status. This position represents a major challenge for U.S. policymakers, who have long maintained that a nuclear-armed North Korea poses a serious threat to regional and global security.
Analysts say the speech reflects North Korea’s ongoing strategy of balancing military strength with diplomatic messaging. On one hand, the country continues to develop its nuclear and missile programs. On the other, it occasionally signals a willingness to engage in negotiations if its core security concerns are acknowledged.
The Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea is one of the most important political events in the country, where leadership outlines policies on defense, economic planning, and foreign relations. Kim’s comments during the event highlight how central the nuclear issue remains to North Korea’s global strategy.
For now, the possibility of improved relations between the United States and North Korea remains uncertain. However, Kim’s message was clear: Pyongyang is prepared for either dialogue or confrontation, depending on how Washington chooses to respond.
