SEOUL, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- North Korea kicked off its ruling Workers' Party's Ninth Congress, state-run media reported Friday, as leader Kim Jong Un hailed what he described as major achievements over the past five years.
The official Korean Central News Agency said Kim, speaking at Thursday's opening session in Pyongyang, praised the "notable, comprehensive and radical successes" achieved since the previous congress, portraying the period as one of transformation despite international sanctions and economic hardship.
The party congress -- held roughly once every five years -- is one of North Korea's most important political events, bringing together senior officials and delegates from across the country to review policy performance, revise party rules and elect a new leadership body.
In his remarks, Kim highlighted the country's economic development, saying the regime has made "dynamic progress in reinforcing and readjusting the technical infrastructure and functions of the key industries."
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