Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for "epochal progress" in the development of rural areas, as reported by the North's state media. This call comes as Pyongyang appears to be preparing for a key ruling party congress.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony for a new dairy farm in the North's western region. The once-in-five-years party congress is anticipated to occur this month, although an official date has not been disclosed.

Kim inspected the dairy farm and emphasized the need for more progress in implementing the party's rural revolution program and regional development policy. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim highlighted the country's policy for rural revolution, focusing on developing the stockbreeding industry, during the inauguration of the Samgwang Stockbreeding Farm in Unjon, North Phyongan Province.

The KCNA noted that the ruling party had initiated the construction of a modern dairy farm years ago to improve living standards. The Samgwang farm is described as having achieved a high level of sophistication. Kim commented on the farm's indication of the prospect for socialist rural development and outlined tasks to modernize livestock farming to a world-class level.

Kim urged the farm to continuously innovate and enhance scientific and technological capabilities in production, management, and operations. During his visit, Kim sampled dairy products and expressed pride that such quality milk products would be available to children and people.

Photos from the KCNA showed the production of various cheese types including raclette, cheddar, and mozzarella, highlighting Kim's interest in cheese varieties, potentially stemming from his studies in Switzerland.

This visit follows Kim's recent inspections of regional development sites, underscoring the focus on economic development achievements ahead of the significant party congress. The North is expected to hold the first Workers' Party of Korea congress in five years later this month, to outline the country's economic, diplomatic, and defense strategies for the next five years.