PYONGYANG — North Korea is marking the 78th anniversary of the country’s founding with nationwide commemorative events and messages emphasizing national development and state strength.

Senior government and Workers’ Party officials visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang ahead of the anniversary, paying tribute to former leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. North Korean state media reported that officials pledged to continue working for the country’s development and prosperity.

The anniversary is being observed across the country with ceremonies, cultural programmes and public events. September 9 marks the establishment of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in 1948.

The occasion comes as Pyongyang continues implementing priorities outlined by the ruling Workers’ Party earlier this year.

Education has been one of the areas receiving renewed attention. Kim Jong Un recently addressed the country’s national teachers’ conference and described education as a central responsibility of the state.

North Korean authorities have reported the construction and renovation of thousands of schools and kindergartens in recent years, while universities have introduced changes to teaching and academic management systems.

The government has also continued emphasizing industrial development, infrastructure construction and technological advancement as part of its longer-term national strategy.

At the same time, North Korea is strengthening its military capabilities. The country recently commissioned the Kang Kon, a new 5,000-ton-class destroyer, with Kim Jong Un saying the vessel would contribute to the country’s strategic defence system.

The anniversary is therefore being observed against a backdrop of both domestic development programmes and heightened security tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea continues to maintain close strategic relationships with China and Russia. Messages from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin marking the anniversary reaffirmed their countries’ intention to maintain close ties with Pyongyang.

The latest anniversary events demonstrate the government’s continued emphasis on national sovereignty, economic development and military preparedness.

As North Korea enters another year of state development, its leadership is expected to continue focusing on strengthening domestic industries, education, infrastructure and defence capabilities.