SEOUL, Feb 19 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said new military and construction goals will be set during an upcoming key party congress, state media KCNA said on Thursday.
Kim attended a ceremony of 600mm-calibre multiple rocket launchers being gifted to the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, as well as the groundbreaking ceremony of a new construction project in Hwasong District, Pyongyang on Thursday.
Kim has been touting the progress of the country’s various projects ahead of this month’s Ninth Congress, the country’s biggest political gathering that reviews performance, sets new policy goals and can bring leadership change.
“The Ninth Congress of our Party will declare the next phase of self-reliant defence’s initiative and goal,” said Kim in a speech during the rocket launcher ceremony, according to KCNA.
“The project of constantly renewing our military capabilities that can strongly subdue any threats and challenges from outside forces will accelerate.”
The Ninth Congress may start as soon as Thursday or Friday this week, according to Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul.
(Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Stephen Coates)
