Kim promotes sister's reaffirms nuclear drive

Kim Yo Jong becomes alternate member of party's politburo

                   

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un has promoted his sister to a senior ruling party post, state media said on Sunday and praised the country's nuclear weapons programme, which has sparked international alarm. 

Kim Jong becomes an alternate member of the party's powerful politburo the decision-making body presided over by her brother, the official KNCA news agency said.

The promotion was an announced along with those for dozens of other top officials at a party meeting led by a leader on Sunday.

It came as the regime faces growing global pressure to curb its weapons drive following recent nuclear and missile tests.

The sister, in her late 20s, has frequently been seen accompanying her brother on his "field guidance trips" and other events and is known to have been involved in the party's propaganda operations.

Both were born to the late former ruler Kim Jong and his third partner, former dance ko yo-Hui.