A North Korean media outlet says the country's leader Kim Jong Un has visited a nuclear weapons institute and a base where nuclear material is produced.

The ruling Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, released the report on Wednesday.

Photographs carried by the paper show Kim inspecting a site that is believed to be a uranium enrichment facility.

During the visit, Kim mentioned a five-year defense plan that is set to end this year. He also stressed the need to produce weapons-grade nuclear materials and strengthen North Korea's nuclear shield.

Kim noted that the country's security situation is very unstable. He also indicated that a long-term confrontation is inevitable with countries he described as vicious and hostile. Kim said that makes it crucial for North Korea to steadily strengthen its nuclear shield, which he says is capable of guaranteeing the nation's sovereignty, interests and right to develop.

This is the first report of a visit by Kim to a nuclear facility since September. It comes less than 10 days after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.