The Unification Ministry says next year, North Korea is likely to explore the possibility of holding talks with the U.S. while seeking recognition as a nuclear-weapons state.
 
The ministry issued the projection on Tuesday in a report that assessed North Korea’s state of affairs for this year and made forecasts for next year.
 
The ministry said that Pyongyang could also seek to improve its ties with South Korea.
 
The ministry said attention is being drawn to whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s New Year address will include the direction of the North’s policies regarding the South.
 
The ministry also projected that the North will exert active efforts to respond to the effects of international sanctions which are expected to start to show next year. The ministry said it expects Pyongyang will seek to tackle a decline in trade volume and inflow of foreign currency as well as a contraction in production.
 
The ministry said the North is likely to emphasize economic development which is part of its “Byungjin” policy aimed at the simultaneous pursuit of economic development and a nuclear weapons program while tightening its grip over its people and society.