The government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will "reject any contact and negotiations with Japan" over the prospect of a summit between the two countries, a senior DPRK official said Tuesday, just one day after she urged the neighboring country to make a political decision for the improvement of bilateral ties.
The DPRK-Japan summit is "not a matter of concern" as "Japan has no courage to change history, promote regional peace and stability and take the first step for the fresh DPRK-Japan relations," Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea said in the second press statement in two days carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim said Japan had clarified its stance through a press conference of its Chief Cabinet Secretary on Monday that it can never accept the fact that the abduction issue was settled.
She also complained that the Japanese raised the issue of the DPRK nuclear and missile programs, saying it has nothing to do with Japan, and accused the country of "trying to interfere in and take issue with the exercise of sovereignty concerning the DPRK's legitimate self-defense.
Stating the DPRK government has clearly understood once again the attitude of Japan, the DPRK senior official said "the DPRK side will pay no attention to and reject any contact and negotiations with the Japanese side."
Kim said in a statement issued by the KCNA on Monday that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently conveyed his intention to meet Kim Jong Un in person as soon as possible. Regarding the possibility of a top meeting, Kim urged the neighboring country to make a political decision for strategic option that conformed to its overall interests in a show of its true intention to improve bilateral relations.
Meet TikTok's NEWEST queen bee Leah Halton: Stunning Australian model, 23, is set to become the most
Zimbabwe frees prisoners, including those sentenced to death, in an independence day amnesty
Rybakina, Vondroušová into Stuttgart quarters while Jabeur out
At least 15 killed in Israeli airstrikes on Rafah
Free agency left the Ravens with holes to fill as NFL draft nears, especially on the offensive line
Woman, 26, who shed 70lbs reveals the surprising ways weight loss has transformed her life
Indianapolis man charged with murder in fatal shootings of 3 at apartment complex
President Xi on global, regional security
Woman, 26, who shed 70lbs reveals the surprising ways weight loss has transformed her life
Historic woods turned into 'desolate wasteland' by fly
The Titans go into the NFL draft flexible at No. 7 with lots of needs to fill