North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for national unity and the tightening of official discipline as the ruling Workers’ Party marked the 79th anniversary of its founding on Thursday.
The Friday edition of the party’s newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, carried Kim’s message.
In the message, Kim called for unity ahead of the party’s 80th anniversary next year. He also pointed out that the country’s development is being hindered by the irresponsible attitudes of some senior party officials, urging stricter discipline.
The newspaper also reported that Kim attended a celebratory performance and banquet held at the party’s Central Cadres Training School in the capital Pyongyang on Thursday. Photos showed Kim and his daughter in seats reserved for honored guests, enjoying the performance and waving to others.
The Russian ambassador to North Korea was reportedly invited to the event as a “personal guest” of the leader.
However, amid speculation of worsening relations between the North and China, the report made no mention of the Chinese ambassador.