Despite Trump's praise, North Korea threatens Washington with taking "strongest countermeasures."

Alsharq Tribune - Sarah Benkraouda 

North Korea's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that, Pyongyang must maintain "the strongest countermeasures" against the United States, as long as it refuses to acknowledge its sovereignty and security interests .

The ministry added in a statement, "The reality confirms that North Korea must fully confront the United States with the strongest countermeasures as long as it refuses to acknowledge the country's sovereignty and security interests, and this is the best option for dealing with it."

This statement came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump described North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a "smart man" and expressed his intention to engage with him again.

The Ministry also pointed to a four-day joint aerial exercise between Seoul and Washington, at an airbase in Wonju, South Korea, last week, as well as a recent trilateral air drill involving Japan .

The Ministry called these activities a "serious challenge" to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula .

The Ministry warned that "such actions will require a counter-response, adding that North Korea "would not allow an imbalance of power" .

And would take the strongest countermeasures, to defend its sovereignty and security interests and ensure peace and stability in the region .

Earlier, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service had said, that Trump might seek dialogue with the North Korean leader.

Possibly aiming for a "small deal" on North Korea's nuclear program, rather than engaging in full denuclearization talks .