SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticised trilateral military cooperation among the United States, Japan and South Korea for raising tensions in the region and vowed countermeasures,

Kim Jong Un reiterated North Korea’s policy of developing its nuclear forces, saying he would bolster deterrence, as the nation marked the anniversary of the Korean People’s Army.

The first tour is set to take place Feb. 12 to 18, when major celebrations are planned for the birthday of the country's late leader Kim Jong Il, one of North Korea's biggest holidays.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said an elevated U.S. security partnership with South Korea and Japan poses a grave threat to his country and vowed to further bolster his nuclear weapons program.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said an elevated US security partnership with South Korea and Japan poses a grave threat to his country and vowed to further bolster his nuclear weapons programme, state media reported.

Kim Jong Un condemns the US for prolonging the Ukraine conflict, signalling a potential alliance with Russia against the West.- Watch Video on English Oneindia

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has launched a fiery attack on the U.S., accusing Washington of deliberately prolonging the Ukraine conflict to weaken Russia. Speaking at a defense ministry meeting, Kim criticized the West’s pursuit of global dominance and reaffirmed North Korea’s unwavering support for Russia.