According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 19th, Director Kim issued a “statement on positions regarding major international issues” that evening.

Director Kim first stated, “If the U.S. side calculates that it can publicize the measures it has taken this time as some sort of ‘goodwill gesture,’ it will not get the response it desires.” She added, “Regarding the news from Washington that there has recently been communication between the leaders of North Korea and the U.S., I am completely unaware of this matter, and it is likely the only issue related to our supreme leadership’s foreign policy that I am not privy to.” This is interpreted as a complete rebuttal of President Trump’s recent remark that he had received a response to his offer of dialogue from Chairman Kim.

Vice Minister Kim said, “Our head of state has already stated on several occasions that he has personally fond memories and warm feelings toward Trump,” adding, “The relationship between the two leaders remains excellent.” He continued, “This is common knowledge, and I don’t think it’s particularly surprising.”

However, Vice Minister Kim asserted that, regardless of the personal relationship between the North Korean and U.S. leaders, there has been no change in U.S. policy toward North Korea.

He said, “Nevertheless, the U.S. policy of hostility toward the DPRK has not changed, and the U.S. and its followers are, even at this very moment, fiercely carrying out hostile military activities against the DPRK.” He went on to emphasize, “Regardless of the excellent relationship between the leaders of the DPRK and the U.S., the sovereign measures we are taking to counter forces that threaten our national security are entirely reasonable, appropriate, and essential.”

He added, “History and reality prove that when the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea possesses a stronger deterrent, the regional security landscape becomes more balanced and stable.”