North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday criticized the South Korean government’s attempts to mediate and facilitate nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington, instead calling on Seoul to work towards the "interests of the nation."

In a policy speech delivered to deputies on the second day of the First Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly held at Pyongyang’s Mansudae Assembly Hall, Kim was on Saturday reported to have accused Seoul of “tarnishing the spirit of independence and the policy of relying on outsiders.”