North Korea’s top diplomat has declared that the regime is ready to respond to any threats to the Eurasian continent, saying that the region is facing unprecedented security challenges.

Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui made the remarks on Tuesday at the Third Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security in Belarus.

Choe accused the North Atlantic Treaty Organization of trying to contain Russia and criticized South Korea, the United States and Japan for heightening tensions through trilateral cooperation.

She said North Korea will not hesitate to bolster its self-defense capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty and development.

The foreign minister also directly criticized the U.S., asserting that Washington's actions are undermining global security.

Her remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to express his desire to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.