North Korea has announced that the ruling Workers' Party Central Committee has convened a plenary meeting to make decisions about the country's key policies.

The North's state-run Korean Central Television reported on Wednesday that the meeting began in Pyongyang on Tuesday. It said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was present at the gathering.

The media outlet said Kim delivered a report on the implementation of party and state policies in 2023.

Kim reportedly praised new changes and progress made in national defense and diplomacy. He is said to have defined 2023 as "a year of great turn and great change both in name and reality."

It is believed that he was referring to the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite in November, the firing of a solid-fuel ICBM-class Hwasong-18 missile last week, and his visit to Russia in September, which was his first trip there in four years.

Six major items are being discussed at the meeting. The state budget and "the orientation of struggle in 2024" are among them.

The committee members are expected to decide on plans for launches of military reconnaissance satellites.

North Korea's five-year defense program will enter its fourth year in 2024.

Attention is focused on what policies regarding the North's nuclear and missile development programs will be presented at the meeting.

Attention is also focused on policies concerning the United States, where a presidential election will be held next year. Some observers are keeping an eye on policies regarding US ally South Korea. Others are paying close attention to matters concerning Russia, as the North has been strengthening cooperation with that nation.