It said the North will "consistently adhere to the new line of bolstering the nuclear force" established by Kim and "thoroughly deter the U.S. and its vassal forces" from threats and blackmail against the North's sovereignty.

North Korea's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that it will keep bolstering its nuclear force, denouncing a recent joint pledge by the United States, South Korea and Japan for its denuclearisation, according to state media KCNA.

North Korea criticized the United States for pursuing the "absurd and outdated" goal of denuclearization Tuesday, saying that Pyongyang would stick to leader Kim Jong Un's goal of building up its nuclear forces.