Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea speaks at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Kim Myong Gil's presentation shared information about the current situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and focused on the 2018 New Year's message from the President of the DPRK, Kim Jong-un.

In 2017, North Korea completed its nuclear test program, enhancing the country's defense and military capabilities. Economically, the five-year socio-economic development strategy, outlined at the 7th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea in May 2016, achieved significant results. Culturally and socially, North Korea also made considerable progress, including the implementation of a 12-year free education system for its citizens; the construction of the Dawn urban area next to Kim Il-sung University with 5,000 apartments, improving housing for faculty members, and more. In 2018, North Korea will celebrate its 70th anniversary and enter the third year of its five-year socio-economic development plan.

Panoramic view of the auditorium

Kim Myong Gil argued that, in order to build upon the aforementioned achievements, North Korea needs to leverage its strength as a nuclear power to create momentum for development in other areas. Economically, it needs to strengthen its internal capabilities; improve the living standards of its people; enhance the self-reliance of the economy through improvements in light industry, agriculture, and fisheries; and strengthen the organization of the economy.

Mr. Kim Myong Gil gave a presentation.

Politically, North Korea will strengthen its defense capabilities and consolidate the leadership role of the Workers' Party of Korea. In foreign policy, North Korea will, on the one hand, maintain its independent and self-reliant path, and on the other hand, expand international relations with other countries based on respect for national sovereignty and friendly relations.

Regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, Kim Myong Gil affirmed that North Korea has been striving to improve relations between the two Koreas, proclaiming principles of unification based on autonomy, peace, and national unity. He emphasized that the ultimate goal remains reconciliation and reunification. He also stated that while possessing nuclear weapons, North Korea does not use them to threaten national or regional peace. However, North Korea will do its utmost to protect its national interests against any external aggression.

Professor Pham Quang Minh presents flowers to thank Mr. Kim Myong Gil.

Following his presentation, Mr. Kim Myong Gil received questions and comments from faculty and students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities on issues such as: opportunities for cultural exchange between Vietnam and North Korea; the content of the principle of unification of North Korea; the influence of major powers such as Russia and China on North Korea's autonomy and self-reliance; mechanisms for accessing official information about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; information and experiences of studying abroad in North Korea; and lessons learned from the leadership of North Korean leaders such as Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.