Pyongyang, North Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea during the country’s opening of Ninth Congress.
The party congress, held every five years, is North Korea’s most important political gathering.
It allows for appointment of top party officials, reinforcing loyalty within the leadership.
It also sets the country’s direction for the next five years in different sectors.
North Korean State news agency reported that under Kim’s leadership, North Korea has strengthened its “war deterrence,” highlighting the continued expansion of its nuclear weapons program as central to their national defense.
Alongside military priorities, Kim also laid out economic goals for the next five years.
He called for improvements in industry, agriculture, and technology.
North Korea has no opposition parties, and the ruling party controls all branches of government.
Its authoritarian regime was established in 1948, and has been ruled by the Kim family dynasty ever since.
Jong Un has led the country since 2011, following the death of his father.
Meanwhile, recent reports suggest that Kim may be positioning his teen daughter for a potential future leadership role.
On the other hand international reports said, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message following Kim’s reappointment, expressing hopes of strengthening bilateral ties.