Pyongyang: North Korea's ruling party has reaffirmed its trust in Kim Jong-un by reelecting him as the general secretary during the ongoing party congress, a move that emphasizes the significant advancement of the country's nuclear deterrence capabilities under his leadership, as reported by state media.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced that the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) had decided to reinstate Kim Jong-un as general secretary, highlighting the "unshakable" commitment of party members, citizens, and soldiers towards the development of the party and the prosperity of the nation.
The congress, which typically spans several days, concluded the fourth day by announcing key policy objectives for the next five years, covering various sectors such as the economy, defense, and diplomacy. North Korea's party regulations mandate the election of the general secretary during a party congress.
The congress praised Kim for establishing revolutionary armed forces capable of independently addressing any threats and being fully prepared for war. The KCNA noted that the country's war deterrence had drastically improved, primarily due to its nuclear capabilities, and that the nation had progressed significantly despite historical challenges.
Party secretary Ri Il-hwan addressed the congress, crediting Kim with creating opportunities for prosperity amidst global conflicts. Ri emphasized Kim's unique ability to guide the country's transformation and noted North Korea's defiance of sanctions, establishing it as a recognized force.
The KCNA also mentioned that revised party rules were adopted during the Sunday meeting, although specific details, including North Korea's policy towards South Korea, were not disclosed. South Korea's unification minister observed that the congress has reinforced Kim's leadership while minimizing external messages.
New members of the party's central committee were elected, marking a significant generational shift as several senior officials, including Choe Ryong-hae, were excluded from the list. The congress is anticipated to conclude by setting new policy directions for the next five years, leaving open the possibility of responding to dialogue proposals from Seoul and Washington.
The ninth congress, the first since 2021, is recognized as the highest decision-making body in North Korea.