North Korea keeping Iran at arm’s length, reports Seoul
South Korea says Pyongyang is wary as it seeks to renew diplomatic dialogue with the US.

South Korea says Pyongyang is wary as it seeks to renew diplomatic dialogue with the US.

![This frame grab, taken from video from Belarusian state-owned news outlet Pul Pervogo, shows Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko watching as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un holds a rifle gifted to him by Lukashenko in Pyongyang. [Pul Pervogo/AFP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-1774548190.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)







Kim Jong Un oversaw a massive military parade in Pyongyang to wrap up the once every-five-years Workers’ Party congress.
Kim emphasised that Pyongyang intends to cement its position on the global stage through its nuclear capabilities.
The ruling Workers’ Party Central Committee names Kim Yo Jong as the full department director at the key party congress.
Kim says his party is focused on the tasks of ‘boosting economic construction and the people’s standard of living’.
Kim’s opening speech focused on improving economic activity, with no mention of relations with the US or South Korea.










Kim unveils housing for families of soldiers killed overseas amid North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Little is known about Kim’s daughter who made her first public appearance in 2022 but appears set to be successor.
Pyongyang expected to release five-year development plan for defence and economy at upcoming congress.
The launches are the second this month after Pyongyang says it tested hypersonic missiles three weeks ago.