Kim Jong Un’s speech made no specific mention of the United States. The meetings coincided with the 10-year anniversary of Mr. Kim effectively assuming leadership of the country after the death of his father in 2011. Mr. Kim has used previous speeches around the New Year to make major policy announcements, including launching significant diplomatic engagements with South Korea and the United States. The big focus on rural development is likely a populist strategy, said Chad O'Carroll, founder of NK News, a Seoul-based website that tracks North Korea. North Korea has previously said it is open to diplomacy, but that the American overtures appear hollow while "hostile acts" such as military drills and sanctions continue.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 01, 2022 07:08 UTC