Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for efforts to bolster the country's nuclear forces, saying strengthening the nuclear shield is indispensable, state media reported Wednesday. Kim made remarks during his inspection of a nuclear-material production base and the Nuclear Weapons Institute, where he observed the core processes for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials and learned in detail about the present production of nuclear materials, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Kim emphasized that this year is a crucial year, marking an important watershed in the course of implementing the line of bolstering the nuclear forces. While KCNA did not disclose the date and location of the production base Kim visited, his comments underscore the gravity of the external situation facing North Korea. He noted that challenges from hostile forces are becoming increasingly pronounced.
Kim remarked that the absolute force capable of thoroughly containing enemies and taking initiative is achieved not through declarations or slogans but through the stockpiling and geometric progression of practical nuclear strength. The leader highlighted the necessity for North Korea to steadily strengthen its nuclear shield to guarantee its sovereignty, interests, and development rights. This report follows the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, who has expressed a willingness to engage with Kim.