Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his commitment to adhering to the country's nuclear weapons program in a speech marking the national foundation day, according to the North's state media Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Jong-un expressed pride in North Korea's status, which he described as "remarkable," during a national founding day ceremony at Mansudae Assembly Hall. The event was held to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the country's founding on September 9, 1948, by Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-un's grandfather.
While Kim did not explicitly mention nuclear weapons, his reference to the nation's "remarkable status" is widely interpreted as an allusion to North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities. He emphasized that no external force could undermine the "absolute status and security" of North Korea, nor reverse its progress towards prosperity.
Kim's speech reiterated North Korea's longstanding position of retaining its nuclear arsenal, asserting that the path of socialism chosen by the country is the only correct one. He claimed that North Korea has established a powerful political system and significant national strength, rejecting any foreign influence over the nation's destiny.
Moreover, Kim acknowledged the presence of North Korean troops supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict, extending a "militant salute" to the army personnel involved in overseas military operations.