Fighting front of North Korean army will be widened, Kim says, declares ‘year of transformation’

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL, March 17 (AA) — North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un said the fighting front of the country’s army will be widened and declared this year a “year of tremendous transformation,” state news agency KCNA reported Monday.

Kim made the remarks Sunday during a ceremony at the Defense Ministry in Pyongyang marking the 78th founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army.

“As you are all prepared for, this is a year of tremendous transformation, when the fighting front of our army will become more widened and which will demand more strenuous efforts,” Kim said, according to KCNA.

“Likewise, the coming five years … will be years when our army's outstanding role that no one else can perform will become further enhanced,” he added.

On the occasion of Army Founding Day, Kim offered his “warm congratulations” to officers and soldiers and expressed hope they would “make more strenuous efforts.”

“Our brave army will further accelerate its advance for the country and the people, and its fighting course will be adorned with brilliant feats and fame,” he said.