Summary of domestic news in North Korea this week

NK weekly-domestic news

Summary of domestic news in North Korea this week

SEOUL, Aug. 30 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of domestic news in North Korea this week.

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N. Korea's ambassador to Singapore takes office

SEOUL -- North Korea's newly appointed ambassador to Singapore took office this week, state media reported Friday, in the latest move to resume diplomatic activities long stalled due to the isolated country's strict COVID-19 restrictions.

Ri Kil-song officially began his term Tuesday after presenting his credentials to Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency.

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N. Korea, Russia hold economic talks to boost cooperation

SEOUL -- North Korea's external economic minister has held talks with Russia's deputy industry and trade minister to discuss ways to further bolster bilateral economic cooperation, state media reported Wednesday.

Yun Jong-ho and Roman Chekushov held talks on Tuesday, the Korean Central News Agency said without further elaborating. A Russian delegation, led by Chekushov, arrived in Pyongyang on Monday.

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(LEAD) N. Korea test-fires multiple rocket launcher equipped with new guidance system

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a test-fire of a 240mm multiple rocket launcher with a new guidance system, state media reported Wednesday, amid speculation that the new artillery system could be provided to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine.

Kim attended Tuesday's test of the multiple rocket launch system that is produced at defense industrial enterprises under the Second Economic Commission, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

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(3rd LD) N. Korean leader oversees suicide drones test, calls for more production

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a performance test of various drones, calling for the development and production of more suicide drones to enhance war preparedness, state media reported Monday.

Kim supervised the test organized by the Drone Institute of the Academy of Defence Sciences on Saturday, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

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N. Korean leader orders construction of more hospitals in regional development efforts

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered the construction of more modern hospitals as part of ongoing efforts to develop underdeveloped regions outside of Pyongyang, state media reported Monday.

The direction was issued during Kim's visit to various regional factories currently under construction on Saturday and Sunday, where he "put forth a new policy to accelerate the implementation of the historic mission of regional rejuvenation," according to the Korean Central News Agency.

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