NEW YORK - President Donald Trump on Tuesday laid out a nationalistic foreign policy to leaders of the world in his first address to the United Nations.

Speaking before the 193-member General Assembly, Trump called for countries to prioritize their own self-interests and stand up for their citizens.

By doing so, he says the international community can come together to protect their citizens against shared threats, which he said should be every country's top priority.

"As president of the United States I will always put America first. Just like you as the leaders of your countries will always and should always put your countries first," Trump said.

Trump urged countries to band together against terrorism and rogue government regimes, including Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba.

But he says North Korea's nuclear ambitions pose the most serious threat and says the U.S. is prepared to totally destroy the communist nation if its leader Kim Jong Un does not back down.

"Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime. The United States is ready, willing and able, but hopefully this will not be necessary. That's what the United Nations is all about," Trump added.

President Trump also urged countries to help shoulder their fair share of costs to the UN in order to create a brighter future that will lead to peace, prosperity, and freedom.

He is set to meet with several foreign leaders tomorrow and also host a luncheon with African leaders.

On Thursday he is scheduled to discuss North Korea with diplomats from South Korea and Japan.