North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has reportedly appointed his third son and heir apparent, Jong-un, as a four-star general.

The North’s state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday that Kim also appointed five other officials as four-star generals, including his sister Kim Kyong-hui and long-time aide, Choe Ryong-hae.

It marked the first time for North Korea to include Kim Jong-un’s name in an official public announcement. Observers believe the move is part of efforts to make it official that Kim’s youngest son Jong-un will be anointed as the successor to his father.

Jong-un is also expected to be appointed to other high posts when the North’s ruling party convenes a conference of its top delegates for the first time in 44 years on Tuesday.