Pyongyang: North Korea's ruling party has reconfirmed Kim Jong Un as its general secretary during the ongoing congress, as reported by state media. The reelection took place at the ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), which commenced on Thursday in Pyongyang, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

According to Anadolu Agency, the congress, held every five years, sees the participation of 5,000 party delegates. The decision to reelect Kim Jong Un was described by KCNA as reflecting the "unshakable will and unanimous desire" of all delegates, party members, citizens, and service personnel of the People's Army for the continued development of the WPK and the state's prosperity.

Party secretary Ri Il-hwan addressed the congress, emphasizing Kim Jong Un's leadership in achieving a "steady upturn" in North Korea's progress and overcoming international sanctions to become a recognized force. The session on Sunday also resulted in the election of members and alternate members of the WPK Central Committee, with significant figures such as Kim Jong Un, Pak Thae Song, Jo Yong Won, and Ri Il Hwan being included.

A notable exclusion from the list of party central committee members was Choe Ryong-hae, the 76-year-old chairman of the North Korean parliament and former top military leader, signaling a shift towards younger leadership within the party. The congress also adopted revised party rules, though specifics were not disclosed.

As the congress concludes, it is anticipated that new policy directions will be established for the next five years, focusing on areas such as the economy, defense, and diplomacy. The congress remains the highest decision-making body in North Korea.