"kim-jong-un"

Despite two high-profile summits, little progress was made on the issue of reducing or dismantling the disputed North Korean nuclear arsenal.

The gathering took place at the ruling party's headquarters on Wednesday.

During the event, newly developed strategic weapons and other military weapons were on display.

"For our Party, the life of every one of our people is more precious than anything else, and their good health means the very existence of our Party, state and everything on this land."

A procession of progressively larger armoured vehicles and tanks is likely to follow, culminating with whatever missiles Pyongyang wants to put on show.

Mandatory mass mobilisation drives, featuring extra-long work hours and additional duties, are commonplace in North Korea in the lead-up to major events.