An Jong Chol | Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Dear Comrades!
First of all, allow me to express my gratitude for organizing this highly significant international scientific and practical conference. I am also sincerely grateful for all of your kind words and your powerful support. On behalf of the Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, I would like once again to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you.
Today’s topic is extremely broad in scope. As I understand it, this conference is dedicated to the 73rd anniversary of the victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War of the Korean people, the historical lessons of resistance to imperialism, and their relevance under contemporary conditions. Since this war is part of my own history and the history of my homeland, I would like to focus on two key lessons which, in my opinion, we must draw from this war.
The First Lesson: The Necessity of Being Strong
The first lesson is the necessity of being strong. This idea has been repeatedly emphasized in the speeches of our respected President of State Affairs, Comrade Kim Jong Un. In his historic address at the Defense Development Exhibition in October 2022, which I personally attended together with our Russian friends from the embassy, he clearly stressed that we must be strong not only for the present of our homeland but also for future generations.
What does this mean?
Peace is secured not by words, but only by powerful strength. This is precisely the lesson taught to us by the Great Fatherland Liberation War.
Why do I say this? Because, as all of you have rightly pointed out, at that time we had a young republic and a young army. Yet our army and our people, possessing profound patriotism and united firmly around our respected Comrade Kim Il Sung, fought with rifles in their hands against the most powerful enemy of the time, an enemy that already possessed nuclear weapons.
Nevertheless, we honorably defended the dignity, sovereignty, and security of our Republic. From the standpoint of the balance of forces, this comparison was utterly unequal—a rifle against an atomic bomb. Just imagine such a balance of power.
The American imperialists unleashed war against our Republic, bombing civilians and infrastructure. It was extremely difficult for us to resist, yet we stood firm to the very end, defeated the enemy, and defended our homeland.
From this we drew a very important lesson: one must be strong—first, in spirit, and second, simultaneously in military and technological capability.
After the war, we accelerated the development of our national defense, and today we have become a respected nuclear state, one that even the Americans must take into account.
Why are they unable to start a war against us now? Why do they seek dialogue with us?
Because we have become strong.
This is the first and most important lesson.
The Second Lesson: No Illusions About American Imperialism
The second lesson is that under no circumstances should we harbor any illusions regarding American imperialism. I believe everyone here agrees with this.
From a tactical standpoint, it is possible to engage in certain negotiations. However, every move—whether in the military, political, or diplomatic sphere—in dealing with the United States must be based on the principle of a firm response.
In short, one must deal with the Americans from a position of strength, always relying on power. Otherwise, it is simply impossible to deal with them, and we ourselves will become victims of American aggression.
There is no need to look far for examples: Libya, Iraq, Syria—and now they have already launched military operations against Iran.
Why?
Because they know that, unfortunately, Iran is not yet capable of launching a retaliatory strike against the continental United States—for example, against New York.
That is why they bomb Iran.
But they would never dare bomb our Republic, even though we are many times smaller than Iran.
Why?
Because they know perfectly well that if even a single bullet were fired at our Republic, it would immediately mean their end.
We are prepared—not merely in words, but in reality. We possess the strength to respond immediately.
That is the essence of the tactics of American imperialism.
Therefore, under no circumstances should anyone harbor illusions regarding American imperialism.
The Contemporary Significance: Alliance and People’s Diplomacy
As for resistance to imperialism, I would especially like to emphasize one point.
In the present era, the sincere alliance between our Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation plays a particularly important role.
A vivid example of this is the direct participation of our brave soldiers of the Korean People’s Army in the operation to liberate the Kursk region.
There are many facts that demonstrate this, and indeed a sincere alliance and a comprehensive strategic partnership have been established between us.
In this regard, I hope that together we will continue to make every possible effort to promote the comprehensive development of our alliance.
I am especially pleased that today’s conference is devoted precisely to strengthening this alliance and the spirit of alliance.
This is an important component of our people’s diplomacy.
I am personally very happy to participate in such an international scientific conference for the first time.
In conclusion, allow me to wish all of you good health and every success in your work and in your lives.
Thank you for your attention.