Pyongyang, North Korea / Seoul, South Korea, June 4 (H.S.): North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un has visited a recently commissioned nuclear material production facility and pledged to rapidly strengthen the country's nuclear weapons stockpile. Senior officials of the ruling party accompanied him during the visit. The information was released on Thursday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which did not disclose the location of the facility.

According to a report by The Korea Times, citing KCNA and South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense, the facility may be a uranium enrichment site. During a press briefing in Seoul, the ministry stated that North Korea currently operates uranium enrichment facilities in Yongbyon, Kangson, and Kusong. However, the ministry noted that it remains unclear whether Kim had visited a fourth enrichment facility.

Kim stated that North Korea’s nuclear material production capacity has more than doubled over the past five years. He described the expansion as crucial for addressing potential threats and preparing for unforeseen long-term crises. His remarks signaled that Pyongyang has no intention of abandoning its nuclear ambitions.

He further asserted that the new facility represents a significant milestone in accelerating the advancement of the country's nuclear capabilities. Notably, in September 2024, North Korea publicly disclosed its uranium enrichment facility for the first time, marking a rare revelation about its nuclear infrastructure.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar