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Kim Kim Jong Un vows to 'strengthen' North Korea's nuclear weapons at military parade
The Asharq Al-Awsat reported, according to North Korean state media, leader Kim Jong Un vowed to strengthen the country's nuclear weapons program during a speech at a high-profile military parade in Pyongyang.
According to a transcript published by the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim said: "We will continue to take steps to strengthen and develop our nation's nuclear capabilities at the fastest pace."
AFP, according to KCNA, Kim gave the speech late Monday at a parade marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang.
Kim on Monday (Apr 25) said the country's nuclear weapons were "a symbol of national power" and that the country would "further strengthen and develop our nuclear force at the highest possible speed."
Pyongyang has carried out more than a dozen weapons tests this year, including firing an intercontinental ballistic missile at full range for the first time since 2017.
US and South Korean officials and analysts have warned Pyongyang could soon resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 2017.
North Korea celebrates 10 years of Kim Jong Un as top leader of ruling Workers' Party of Korea
North Korea had paused long-range and nuclear tests while Kim met then-US president Donald Trump for a bout of doomed diplomacy, which collapsed in 2019. Talks have since stalled.
levantnews, aawsat
