Kim Jong-un Praises People's Patriotism During North Korea's Anniversary Celebration

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (Photo via KCNA)

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called patriotic people his country's "best asset" as he commemorated the country's founding anniversary with a military parade, North Korean state media reports said on Sunday.

Kim Jong-un delivered the statement in a photo session on Saturday with people attending the country's 75th anniversary celebration, according to the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"patriotic people, including meritorious people and innovators who have devoted themselves to creating valuable assets for the nation's prosperity by placing state affairs above their family affairs at a time of joy or sadness, are the best assets representing the country's strength," Kim said, quoting Antara, Sunday.

KCNA also described the warning as "a major revolutionary event that became national pride and gave a patriotic spirit."

The photo session took place at the Kumsusan Sun Palace, where the body of the nation's founder Kim Il-sung and accused Kim Jong-un's father, Kim Jong-il, of being buried, according to KCNA.

The military parade marked North Korea's third military parade this year, with the final parade being held in July commemorating the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War ceasefire in 1950-53.

The parade was held amid speculation that Kim Jong-un is likely to soon go to Vladivostok, Russia, to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a possible gun deal.