Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called on his military forces to evolve into an "invincible" entity, as reported by Seoul-based Yonhap News, citing the North's state media. The remarks were made during a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).

According to Anadolu Agency, in his speech on Friday night, Kim Jong-un reiterated his commitment to enhancing the nation's defense capabilities, without directly threatening South Korea or the United States. He stressed that the country's sovereignty can only be "defended and guaranteed by strength," as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim's speech emphasized that the army should develop into a force capable of destroying any threats, leveraging its political, ideological, military, and technical advantages to overwhelm adversaries. He highlighted the importance of morality and discipline in building elite armed forces capable of securing continuous victories.

Under a five-year defense plan, North Korea has accelerated its missile and weapon development efforts, unveiling the new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time at the parade. Kim described the military as a "source of strength" for the WPK and commended the role of North Korean troops supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.

Kim also met with Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, to discuss strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. This meeting, as reported by Yonhap News citing KCNA, was seen as a pivotal moment for expanding North Korea-Russia relations into a strategic partnership and alliance.

Medvedev praised the bravery and spirit of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russia in the Ukraine war, highlighting the strong ties between the two countries. He was one of several foreign dignitaries invited to the North Korean celebrations, which included representatives from China and Vietnam.