Key facts
- Kim Yo Jong stated North Korea's denuclearisation is an irreversible agenda.
- She described the country's nuclear weapons as a self-defensive deterrent.
- The G7 reaffirmed its commitment to North Korea's complete denuclearisation.
- G7 leaders urged North Korea to address abducted Japanese citizens and cryptocurrency thefts.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has condemned a Group of Seven (G7) call for the country's denuclearisation, labeling it a violation of sovereignty and an infringement of North Korea's constitution. State media reported Kim stating that denuclearisation is an "irreversibly finalised agenda" and that nuclear possession is a core, irreversible interest for the nation.
Kim further asserted that North Korea's nuclear weapons serve as a self-defensive deterrent against perceived persistent threats from enemies, and are crucial for ensuring peace. She dismissed calls for denuclearisation as "completely out of date" and unlikely to change regardless of external criticism.
This response comes after G7 leaders issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. They reaffirmed their commitment to the country's complete denuclearisation in line with UN Security Council resolutions. The G7 also urged Pyongyang to address the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea and called for collaborative efforts to tackle the country's cryptocurrency thefts and cybercrimes.