North Korea reveals defense industry conference for first time

North Korea opened a defense conference attended by leader Kim Jong-un, in an event that has been publicly announced for the first time.

North Korean leaders at the conference. Photo: KCNA

The 8th Conference on the Armaments Industry opened in Pyongyang yesterday to review the industry's "achievements and experiences" and discuss "measures to usher in a new era" of the defense industry, the company said.KCNAreport

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the conference with himThae Jong-su, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party. The event was also attended by those who contributed to the launch of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile on November 29.

In his speech at the conference, Mr. Thae said North Korea was confident of joining the ranks of global military and nuclear powers thanks to Mr. Kim's patriotism and "resilient and courageous spirit."

A South Korean Unification Ministry official in charge of inter-Korean affairs said it was the first time North Korean media had reported on the defense conference, "which is very unusual." He said the conference could have been held since the time of the country's founder Kim Il-sung.

"It appears that North Korea is trying to use the summit to show off its achievements after declaring the completion of its national nuclear force and building domestic unity," Yonhap quoted the official as saying.

Conference scene. Photo: KCNA

According to VNE