The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has wrapped up a landmark party congress, state media said on Thursday, with leader Kim Jong Un reiterating the country has irreversibly established itself as a nuclear power.

"With the firm conviction that a new historical turning point will occur in our Party, ... I declare the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea closed," Kim said, according to KNCA.

The DPRK leader said the congress had set out major policy goals for DPRK for the next five years.

"We have a prospective plan to strengthen our national nuclear force, and will focus on projects to increase the number of nuclear weapons and expand nuclear operational means and space for use," Kim said, according to KCNA.

He said prospects of North Korea-US relations depend entirely on the attitude of the United States, while excluding any discussion with South Korea.

KCNA quoted Kim as saying "if the US withdraws its policy of confrontation with North Korea by respecting our country's current status... there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the US.".

Kim has so far not accepted overtures by US President Donald Trump, whom he met with three times during Trump's first term.

Meanwhile, Kim called South Korea "most hostile enemy" and ruled out discussions with its neighbour, saying Pyongyang "can initiate arbitrary action" if South Korea conducts "obnoxious behaviour".

"South Korea's complete collapse cannot be ruled out," Kim said.

KCNA also cited Kim as saying that Pyongyang will "permanently" cease to consider South Koreans as "compatriots", calling Seoul's recent dovish efforts "deceptive".

The DPRK has "absolutely no business dealing with South Korea, its most hostile entity, and will forever exclude South Korea from the category of compatriots," Kim said, according to KCNA.

North Korea also held a military parade on Wednesday night to commemorate its key party congress, KCNA said. (Agencies)



Edited by Cecil Wong