Pyongyang: North Korea on Thursday urged officials to strengthen work discipline and loyalty to the regime ahead of an upcoming key party congress, calling it a "highly responsible" occasion in which their qualifications will be scrutinized.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's most widely read newspaper, emphasized the importance of officials facing the party congress with achievements from their service to the people. The article highlighted that the positions held by officials are assignments from the party, requiring them to bear more responsibilities and tasks.

The call for increased devotion and discipline comes as North Korea prepares to convene the ninth party congress in January or February. This will be the first such convention since 2021, focusing on formulating long-term policy lines covering areas such as diplomacy and the economy.

The newspaper described the period leading up to the party congress as a critical time for scrutinizing party loyalty and the revolutionary inclination of officials. It warned against tendencies to avoid projects due to fear or to maintain positions by merely pretending to work.

In preparation for the congress, North Korea is working to publicize results from the party's economic and other projects. This includes leader Kim Jong-un's regional development policy aimed at reducing the gap between urban and rural areas. The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that both a national planning committee and a committee for regional development policy are thoroughly preparing for the implementation of projects scheduled for this year.