North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations said that his country is ready to respond willingly if the United States withdraws its hostile policy against Pyongyang. 

Ambassador Kim Song made the comment on the last day of the 76th UN General Assembly in New York, or Monday local time, shortly after South Korea’s military announced that the North fired an unidentified projectile into the East Sea.

Kim said if the U.S. truly wants peace and reconciliation, it must take the first step to end its hostile policy by permanently halting military exercises with South Korea and deploying strategic weapons to and near the Korean Peninsula.

The ambassador stressed that if the U.S. gave up this policy, the North would respond willingly at any time.

Kim also defended his country's weapon tests, saying that the North has the right to self-defense to develop, test, manufacture and possess weapon systems. 

He added that North Korea would never violate or endanger the security of the United States, South Korea or neighboring countries.