North Korea Protests South Korea-EU Joint Statement Denying Nuclear State Status

North Korea's Foreign Ministry has voiced strong opposition to a joint statement issued by South Korea and the European Union, which explicitly denies recognition of the North as a nuclear-weapon state. The protest signals Pyongyang's continued defiance of international pressure regarding its nuclear program.

The joint declaration was made by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during his visit to Europe, where he met with EU leaders. The statement underscored a unified stance against North Korea's nuclear ambitions, emphasizing that the nation would not be accepted as a legitimate nuclear power.

North Korea's reaction, as reported by NHK, indicates a sharp rebuke of this diplomatic alignment. The Foreign Ministry's response suggests that Pyongyang views such declarations as a direct challenge to its status and a violation of its perceived rights as a nuclear-armed state. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and diplomatic stalemate surrounding the Korean Peninsula's security.