DPRK top leader vows to boost economy

PYONGYANG - Top leader Kim Jong-un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) urged his people to build the country into an economic giant in his New Year address on Tuesday.

Kim reviewed successes made last year and set forth tasks for 2013, according to official news agency KCNA.

This photo provided by KCNA on Jan 1, 2013 shows Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), gives a New Year's speech. [Photo/Xinhua/KCNA]

He asked to prioritize coal-mining, electric power and metallurgical industries and rail transport, to raise agricultural productivity, and to increase the output of quality consumer goods.

Kim also called for consolidating political and military might of the DPRK.

He said the entire Korean nation should turn out in a nationwide patriotic struggle for reunification by concerted efforts in an independent manner to remove confrontation by following on previous inter-Korean joint declarations.

Meanwhile, Kim vowed to develop friendly relations with countries which respect the country's sovereignty and to safeguard regional peace and stability.

It was the first time in 19 years that such a message has been read by a DPRK leader on television and radio. Since 1994, the DPRK had released New Year messages in the form of a joint editorial by its three main newspapers.

The New Year was celebrated with a performance of the country's prestigious Moranbong Band at midnight after a fireworks display.

This year marks the young leader's second year at the helm since his father Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack in December 2011.