North Korea vows to keep nuclear arsenal permanently, says foreign minister

North Korea's foreign minister has reaffirmed the country's determination to retain its nuclear weapons indefinitely, signalling no willingness to negotiate on disarmament. The declaration reflects Pyongyang's legal codification of its nuclear-armed status, a move that formalises the nation's atomic arsenal as a cornerstone of state policy.

North Korea's leadership has repeatedly emphasised that its nuclear weapons programme is permanent and cannot be reversed. This hardline stance comes amid ongoing international sanctions and diplomatic efforts aimed at curbing the regime's weapons development.

The nuclear-armed peninsula remains a flashpoint in regional security, with concerns about North Korea's weapons capabilities affecting stability across East and Southeast Asia. Neighbouring countries, including South Korea and Japan, continue to monitor developments closely, while regional partners have called for renewed diplomatic engagement to address the standoff.

Pyongyang has justified its nuclear programme as essential for national defence, citing perceived threats from the United States and its allies. The country's commitment to maintaining its atomic weapons suggests that denuclearisation remains a distant prospect in any future negotiations.