Major events from this week focused on North Korea’s relations with regional powers and continued efforts to improve the livelihood of its citizens.

Mongolian Presidential Visit

Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj’s visit to North Korea last week marked the first time a head of state entered the DPRK since Kim Jong Un assumed power. Despite heavy speculation that Mongolia’s current president would at one point meet with Kim Jong Un, no such event occurred. Some media sources have interpreted this as a sign of Kim Jong Un’s intent to uphold Songun, the military-first policy implemented by his late father. In terms of domestic