The leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un said his country had overcome recession and accomplished major economic goals over the ⁠past five years as he opened the Ninth Party Congress, state media KCNA reported on Friday.

The congress, which opened on Thursday, is the country's biggest political event held every five years to review performances, set new policy goals and which can bring changes in leadership roles beneath the supreme commander Kim.

In his opening speech, Kim said the DPRK had made "significant accomplishments" over the past five years in politics, economy, defence, culture and diplomacy, enhancing its self-reliance.

For the outside world, the country has brought a "big change" in relations with other countries and the global geopolitical landscape, he said.

Kim did ⁠not mention relations with the United States or neighbouring South Korea in his speech, ⁠and did not refer to ⁠his country's efforts to develop a stockpile of nuclear weapons.

At the meeting, attended by 5,000 members of the ruling Workers' Party, new goals and plans in various sectors for the next ⁠five years were submitted, KCNA reported.

Pyongyang is expected to showcase military capabilities at a parade and weapons development goals as part of the meeting. Analysts are also monitoring whether Kim would be given the title of "president" and if his teenage daughter, Ju Ae, makes an appearance or receives some form of official post.

When the previous Eighth Congress was convened, the circumstances surrounding the DPRK were "extremely challenging," Kim said, citing natural disasters and an international health crisis, apparently referring to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The country's economy and industries were running on old practices, Kim said.

"Everything has changed fundamentally for the past five years," Kim added.

He pushed the party to make efforts to change the country in all sectors for economic growth and improving people's livelihoods "as soon as possible."

Earlier this week, Kim marked the completion of 10,000 new houses built in Pyongyang, which achieved the goal of building 50,000 homes set during the ⁠Eighth Congress. (Reuters)



Edited by Cecil Wong