SEOUL, Oct 10: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised what he described as his nation’s fight against a U.S.-led military threat and pledged to make North Korea “the best socialist paradise in the world.” He spoke during celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party in Pyongyang, attended by top Chinese, Russian, and other foreign dignitaries, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
Kim’s remarks came as he sought to strengthen partnerships with countries opposing Western influence, while also signaling interest in resuming talks with Washington. His address set the stage for a major military parade expected later Friday, where he was likely to stand alongside Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam, the AP said.
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Addressing tens of thousands at Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium, Kim said North Korea would continue developing both nuclear weapons and the economy to counter what he called “growing nuclear war threats by the U.S. imperialists.” He said the nation’s hard-line measures were “driving the progressive forces against war and hegemony,” according to the AP.
Kim expressed confidence that the country would soon improve its economy, vowing to turn it into “a more affluent and beautiful land.” He also met Chinese Premier Li and To Lam to discuss stronger ties, while his deputy Jo Yong Won held talks with Medvedev, the AP reported.
The timing of the military parade remained uncertain because of rain in Pyongyang, though analysts predicted it might occur later in the day if the weather improved. The event was expected to feature intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland and shorter-range systems targeting South Korea, the AP noted.
Kim has expanded his nuclear-armed military since his failed talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. Recently, he suggested he might return to negotiations if Washington dropped its demand for full denuclearization, the AP noted.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kim has made Moscow a top foreign policy priority, reportedly sending troops and weapons to support Putin’s war effort. He also visited China last month and appeared with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin at a major military parade to highlight his growing ties with both powers, the AP said.
