North Korea's Kim Jong-un Presides Over Expanded Political Bureau Meeting... No Mention of External Affairs

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un convened an expanded meeting of the Political Bureau yesterday (the 25th) to review economic tasks set forth during the party congress.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that General Secretary Kim "convened the 4th enlarged meeting of the 9th Political Bureau on the 25th to reinforce political and practical measures ensuring the successful execution of important policy tasks for 2026, the first year of implementing the new five-year plan set forth at the 9th Congress."

After receiving reports on the implementation status of major policy construction projects and the operational state of key economic sectors for this year, General Secretary Kim expressed dissatisfaction with the responses from economic institutions.

KCNA reported that General Secretary Kim "pointed out a series of deviations, stating that they are the consequences of immature operations and command capabilities by economic leadership organs that fail to match our heightened ideals and strengthened momentum for advance, yet these are shortcomings that can be sufficiently overcome and resolved when we rouse ourselves with a new determination and fighting spirit."

Emphasizing the role of officials, General Secretary Kim urged them to "conduct organizational and political work more offensively and vigorously to unreservedly unleash the spiritual strength of the masses."

He also encouraged achievements by stating that "every single day's results symbolize our accelerated advance and development," urging certain victory in this year's struggle.

The meeting was held amidst U.S. President Trump repeatedly expressing his willingness for dialogue between North Korea and the United States.

However, there was no mention of related issues or evaluations of the external situation, giving the surface appearance of a focused concentration on internal affairs.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.