A North Korean diplomat to the U.N. blamed U.S. sanctions for inhibiting socioeconomic development, claiming the measures have held back progress on sustainable development goals (SDGs) covering everything from ending poverty to combating climate change.

Jo Tong Hyon, the DPRK’s second secretary at the U.N., made the remarks at the General Assembly’s economic and financial committee meeting on Monday.

According to an official U.N. press release, Jo said “The political, economic and military blockade imposed by the United States and its vassal forces is causing great obstacles to his country’s socioeconomic development.”

In a recording of the meeting posted