News/Other/Foreign Policy

North Korea ready to improve relationships with ‘hostile’ nations

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Sunday his country wouldn’t use nuclear weapons unless its sovereignty is threatened, according to The Associated Press.

{mosads}Kim said he wants to improve relationships with “hostile” nations and reduce misunderstanding and distrust with rival South Korea, while urging the U.S. to stay away from inter-Korean issues. 

“Our republic is a responsible nuclear state that, as we made clear above, will not use nuclear weapons first unless aggressive hostile forces use nuclear weapons to invade on our sovereignty,” Kim said, according to the AP.

He also called for an increase in the country’s international trade and engagement in the global economy.

Kim also announced a five-year plan to develop the nation’s economy, identifying improving the country’s power supply and increasing its agricultural and light manufacturing as critical parts of the program. He said the country must secure more electricity through nuclear power.

It’s the first time North Korea has announced a five-year plan since the 1980s.