North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stressed the need for "extraordinary responsibility and extreme caution" in carrying out major state projects, ignoring signals from US President Donald Trump to engage.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim's remarks came during his chairmanship of an expanded meeting of the Political Bureau of the ruling Workers' Party on Tuesday, to review progress on the policy tasks adopted for 2026, which were approved by the Ninth Party Congress earlier this year.
Kim criticized what he called a "series of deviations," attributing them to "immature guidance and a lack of leadership" on the part of the economic guidance bodies, and said that they had not kept pace with "our great aspirations and our drive for progress," without specifying the nature of those deviations.
The leader called for redoubling efforts with renewed determination and fighting spirit to overcome and eliminate these shortcomings, stressing that the goals set by the party's central committee are not just numbers, but "important political tasks" to protect the country's dignity and demonstrate the superiority of the social system.
He urged officials to ensure the successful achievement of this year's policy goals, arguing that achieving them would lay the foundation for reaching the country's long-term goals and ultimately enhance the well-being of the people.
In contrast, North Korean media remained silent regarding the recent initiatives of US President Donald Trump, in which he expressed his desire to re-engage with Kim during this year.
On Tuesday, Trump reposted a previous message regarding his orders to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, and earlier in the week he posted photos of himself with the North Korean leader.
