Anchor: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to strengthen the country's national defense to protect a "peaceful environment" for the people, according to the North’s state media on Thursday. Kim made the remark in an address during the second session of a rare ruling Workers’ Party congress.
Park Jong-hong has this report.

Report: The key message from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the second day of the eighth congress of the ruling Workers’ Party was to create a peaceful environment by boosting the country’s defense capabilities.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim made clear on Wednesday his will to protect the security of the nation and peaceful environment of socialist construction by greatly enhancing defense.

Up until now, the North had asserted the need for peace for the sake of concentrating on economic development, but analysts say the latest remark seems to reflect his commitment to national defense as long as peace is not established with the U.S.

Also, in Wednesday's report, the North Korean leader assessed the economic situation of the country and presented goals for innovation and development in a new five-year plan.

The sectors under review included transportation, construction, communications and commerce, as well as external economic relations. 

However, there was no mention of the U.S. or South Korea. 

It is still unclear for how long the congress will be held, though the previous congress lasted four days.
Park Jong-hong, KBS World Radio News.

[Photo : YONHAP News]