Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was reappointed as president of the state affairs commission at the first session of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) after last month's ruling party congress, state media reported Monday. Kim's reappointment took place on the first day of the first session of the 15th SPA, as announced by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
According to Yonhap News Agency, during the meeting, Jo Yong-won was elected chairman of the SPA standing committee, the top parliamentary post, replacing Choe Ryong-hae. Jo Yong-won is known to be one of Kim's closest aides, which highlights his growing influence within the political structure of North Korea.
North Korea typically convenes a session of the rubber-stamp parliament following a party congress to legislate laws needed to implement decisions made at the congress. The SPA session is a critical event as it formalizes the decisions and policies set forth during the party congress.