Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a nuclear-material production base and a nuclear weapons institute, calling for overfulfilling the plan for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials and strengthening the country's nuclear shield, state media said Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim emphasized the significance of the current year as a pivotal moment for carrying out tasks pivotal in the course of implementing North Korea's strategy for bolstering its nuclear forces. The Korean Central News Agency quoted Kim during the inspection, though it did not specify the exact date of his visit.

Kim highlighted the necessity of achieving significant progress in exceeding the planned production of weapons-grade nuclear materials and enhancing the nation's nuclear shield. The KCNA reported that he reiterated the growing strength of the country's nuclear technical forces, asserting that ensuring peace and security through strength is North Korea's approach and choice.

He further noted the challenging external situation facing North Korea, pointing out that the threats posed by hostile forces are escalating. Kim stated that the stockpiling of nuclear weapons and their increase at a rapid pace provide an absolute force to thoroughly contain the nation's adversaries.