SINGAPORE: North Korea does not seem keen on diplomacy with Washington and Seoul, instead choosing to strengthen self-reliance and military deterrence, Singapore’s foreign minister has said after a rare trip to the politically isolated nation. Pyongyang has repeatedly shunned peace overtures from the South Korean government while throwing its backing behind Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. The comments by Singapore’s top diplomat Vivian Balakrishnan late on Thursday followed his first visit in eight years to Pyongyang, marking half a century of diplomatic ties.

North Korea prefers to focus instead on self-reliance and military deterrence, says Singapore's foreign affairs minister.

Pyongyang closer to Russia, China but not ready to open communication channels with US, S Korea or Japan, says FM.