North Korea’s Kim opens 9th Party Congress citing economic achievements

try{ var _=i o; . if(!_||_&&typeof _==="object"&&_.expiry Nvidia and OpenAI close to finalizing smaller, $30 bln investment- FT U.S. stocks end lower after hawkish Fed minutes; Walmart guidance falls short Gold largely flat as investors weigh geopolitical tensions, hawkish Fed minutes Berenberg sees more than 50% upside in this small-cap software stock (South Africa Philippines Nigeria) North Korea’s Kim opens 9th Party Congress citing economic achievements By Reuters World Published 02/19/2026, 06:09 PM Updated 02/19/2026, 10:18 PM North Korea’s Kim opens 9th Party Congress citing economic achievements 0 By Heejin Kim and Joyce Lee SEOUL, Feb 20 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his reclusive country had overcome stagnation and accomplished major economic goals over the past five years, as he opened the Ninth Party Congress, state media KCNA reported on Friday. The congress, which opened on Thursday, is the country’s biggest political event. Held every five years, it can bring changes in leadership roles beneath supreme commander Kim. In his opening speech, Kim said the last five years had been "a proud period", citing North Korea’s accomplishments in politics, economy, defence, culture and diplomacy, in addition to enhancing self-reliance. For the outside world, North Korea has brought a "big change" in relations with other countries and the global geopolitical landscape, he said. Kim did not mention relations with the United States or South Korea in his speech, nor refer to his country’s efforts to develop a stockpile of nuclear weapons. At the meeting, attended by 5,000 members of the ruling Workers’ Party, new goals and plans in various sectors for the next five years were submitted, KCNA reported. North Korea is expected to showcase military capabilities at a parade and weapons development goals as part of the meeting. FOCUS ON DAUGHTER JU AE Analysts are monitoring whether Kim will be given the title of "president" and if his teenage daughter, Ju Ae, mak...