North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says a weak economy will be his country’s number one priority this year as the country faces a “battle between life and death”.

He was speaking at a meeting of the ruling party, which coincided with Kim’s 10th birthday.

North Korea is grappling with widespread food shortages following a self-imposed embargo on Covid-19.

His speech did not address the US or South Korea directly.

Kim said accelerating the improvement of people’s lives is the number one priority.

He acknowledged the dire situation in 2021 and the importance of resolving the food, clothing and housing crisis.

He said combating pandemics was also one of the goals this year, according to the country’s KCNA news agency.

But he also said the Pyongyang government would continue to focus on strengthening its military capabilities.

He was speaking on Friday at the conclusion of the 4th meeting of the ruling WPK party, which opened on Monday.

Earlier this year, there were reports of starvation in the country.

The country’s borders have been closed since January 2020 to prevent Covid-19 infection.