North Korean ambassador to the UN in Geneva, So Se Pyong, has reportedly assured that the country is not planning any missile or nuclear tests.

According to the BBC, So was also quoted as saying that North Korea was ready to resume six-party talks on its nuclear programme.

Justifying the numerous missile tests, So said that North Korea had to be prepared to make counter measures against the US and North Korean military exercise against the country.

Meanwhile, the ambassador dismissed reports of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's ill health as "fabricated rumours".

Earlier, North Korea had publicly confirmed that Kim Jong-un was suffering from a medical problem, after reports of the Supreme Leader suffering from gout surfaced.

It has been reported that Kim, who was last seen in public on 3 September at a concert with his wife, has not made any appearances since then.