According to the international body, Pyongyang has not stopped its nuclear programme and has actually increased its illegal ship-to-ship transfer of petroleum products.

"[North Korea] has not stopped its nuclear and missile programmes and continued to defy Security Council resolutions through a massive increase in illicit ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products, as well as through transfers of coal at sea during 2018," the UN report tabled by observers said.

It said that Pyongyang tried to sell light weapons to African countries such as Libya and Sudan.

"[North Korea] attempted to supply small arms and lights weapons and other military equipment via foreign intermediaries to Libya, Yemen and Sudan," it said.

The UN report said that the following activities have also lightened the financial sanctions slapped against the Asian regime by the international body.

Meanwhile, experts have said that North Korea may not give up its nuclear programme by buckling under US pressure, as it has already achieved its goal of normalising its relation with America.

Following a turbulent diplomacy in 2017, US and North Korea have made amends following the meeting between heads of states, Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, in Singapore last month.

In recent weeks, Trump has showered lavish praises on Kim, calling him 'kind' for returning the remains of US soldiers killed in the Korean War.

He also said that he's not going to rush North Korea in giving up its nuclear programme and said that the latter can take its time.