Afghanistan, June 23 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to preserve and strengthen his country's status as a nuclear power, arguing that growing global instability and security threats require a stronger military deterrent.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim made the remarks during a meeting of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Committee, where he accused the United States of fueling conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and contributing to rising international tensions.
Kim also criticized the expanding military and nuclear cooperation between the United States and South Korea, claiming that joint defense initiatives have increased security risks on the Korean Peninsula. He said strengthening North...