Pyongyang: North Korean state media reported on Sunday that changes had been made to the country’s military leadership, including the dismissal of Defense Minister No Kwang Chol. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that the decisions regarding “structural reorganization” were made during a meeting chaired on Saturday by leader Kim Jong Un.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the agency added that No Kwang Chol was not only relieved of his post as defense minister but also demoted in the ruling party leadership to “first deputy director of the Munitions Industry Department.” Kim Song Gi, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People’s Army, was appointed the new defense minister.

Defense advisor Pak Jong Chun was also appointed vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling party and a member of the party’s Politburo, in addition to a series of other promotions. In a separate report, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that Kim Jong Un praised scientists, researchers, and officials at a ceremony held on Saturday for their achievements in defense technology, awarding them the highest national honors.

KCNA added that the honorees had made significant contributions to “solving historically significant scientific and technological problems in the development of new combat weapons systems,” without specifying what those systems were. It further stated that the state’s weapons research center had “recently developed exclusive technologies that represent a landmark in enhancing the country’s war-fighting capabilities,” again without elaborating.

KCNA reported that these technologies demonstrated “the unique development path of the country’s military and technological capabilities.” In late June, Kim oversaw tests of a new long-range multiple rocket launcher system.

This reshuffling of North Korea’s military leadership comes shortly after the conclusion of joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States. These exercises, which Pyongyang regularly denounces as a rehearsal for an invasion, were closely watched this year after US President Donald Trump ordered a reduction in US participation.

Trump criticized the exercises as provocative to North Korea and attacked Seoul for not supporting his war against Iran. The US president also praised North Korean leader Kim, whom he met twice during his first term, as he looks forward to another meeting with him.