North Korea has rejected an international appeal to cease its nuclear testing, describing the call as a “grave political provocation” by what it termed “hostile forces.” The response came following a meeting of foreign ministers from the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), a coalition that includes Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands.

The ministers convened in New York on Tuesday to address concerns over North Korea’s nuclear program. They characterized any further nuclear tests conducted by Pyongyang as both irresponsible and unacceptable, urging the country to fully adhere to all applicable United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a spokesperson for North Korea’s foreign ministry asserted that the country is a responsible nuclear-armed state. Earlier on the same day, North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui reiterated that the nation’s nuclear weapons status is irreversible, signaling a firm stance on its strategic deterrence policy.

The developments highlight ongoing tensions between North Korea and the international community over denuclearization efforts, with Pyongyang firmly rejecting outside demands to halt its nuclear weapons program.