North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this week opened a key ruling party meeting, state media reported on Tuesday, a forum he has previously used to make major New Year policy announcements. The 4th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was convened Monday, state news agency KCNA said. It also comes as North Korea marks the 10th anniversary of Kim assuming supreme command of the military after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011. "The plenary meeting is to review the implementation of main Party and state policies for the year 2021," the report said. South Korea's unification ministry, which handles relations with the North, said on Monday it hoped North Korea "will start the new year by opening the door for dialogue with the international community, and take a step forward for engagement and cooperation."

Source: The North Africa Journal December 28, 2021 00:43 UTC