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SEOUL, Feb. 20 (UPI) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday lauded what he described as major achievements over the past five years, as the country’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea kicked off its Ninth Congress in Pyongyang.

The official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim, speaking at the opening session, praised the “notable, comprehensive and radical successes” achieved since the Eighth Congress in 2021, despite international sanctions and economic challenges. The party congress, held roughly once every five years, is a key political event where senior officials review policy, revise party rules and elect new leadership.

Kim highlighted economic development, stating the regime has made “dynamic progress in reinforcing and readjusting the technical infrastructure and functions of the key industries.” He claimed that “not a few sectors of our economy have freed themselves from the protracted obsolescence and stagnation, and instead built up their foundations and potentials to achieve significant growth.”

The leader too touted improvements in housing and regional industry, asserting they had led to “substantial improvement in the people’s living standards.” Earlier this week, Kim attended the inauguration of a 50,000-home housing development in Pyongyang, fulfilling a goal set at the previous congress, according to KCNA.

The congress agenda includes a review of the party’s Central Committee work, consideration of revisions to party rules, and the election of new senior officials. Observers anticipate the gathering will last several days.

The potential role of Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, is drawing significant attention. She has increasingly appeared at major state events alongside her father, fueling speculation about her possible emergence as a potential successor, though no formal recognition has been given.

Kim also highlighted a “great change” in North Korea’s geopolitical environment, which he said had “created favorable conditions and circumstances for giving a greater spur to our socialist construction.” This assessment comes as Pyongyang has strengthened ties with Russia, and increased military and economic cooperation appears to be bolstering the isolated state amid ongoing international sanctions.

Weapons development is another key focus. Kim stated last month that the congress “will clarify the next-stage plans for further bolstering up the country’s nuclear deterrent.”

The congress also comes amid a freeze in inter-Korean relations and ongoing questions regarding North Korea’s approach toward the United States. Kim has signaled a willingness to resume talks with Washington, but has warned that any discussion of relinquishing his regime’s nuclear arsenal is off the table.

KCNA reported that approximately 5,000 party delegates from across the country are attending the congress, including over 200 officials from party headquarters and more than 4,700 from regional and industrial organs.