DPRK leader Kim Jong Un stated that the country will continue its nuclear weapons development "indefinitely", just days after US President Donald Trump suggested a possible diplomatic opening with Pyongyang.

After visiting a nuclear materials production facility, Kim warned of an "inevitable" conflict with his nation's adversaries and emphasized that 2025 would be a "crucial year" for enhancing DPRK's nuclear capabilities, according to state news agency KCNA.

"It is our firm political and military position and our sacred duty to unrestrictedly develop our state’s nuclear weapons retaliation capability," Kim declared.

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His remarks followed the DPRK’s test of strategic sea-surface cruise missiles on Saturday, marking the first such test since Trump’s return to the White House on January 20.

DPRK stresses it is building its nuclear arsenal to counter threats from the US and its allies, especially South Korea. Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul are at their lowest point in years, with DPRK continuing a series of missile tests last year.

In a recent interview, Trump, who held rare meetings with Kim during his first term (2017-2021), said he intends to "re-engage" with the DPRK leader, describing him as a “smart guy". 

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un referred to the "most unstable situation in the world," during which a prolonged conflict with "the most vicious hostile countries” is “inevitable", and stated that strengthening DPRK's nuclear shield is "necessary".

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