North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told a ruling party congress that Pyongyang is open to improved relations with the United States but only if Washington ends what he called its hostile policy and recognizes North Korea’s nuclear power status.

Speaking at a major gathering of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Kim simultaneously vowed to further strengthen the country’s nuclear arsenal.

The remarks signal a dual-track message: conditional diplomacy on one hand, continued weapons development on the other keeping pressure and leverage firmly in play.