North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told the nation that economic problems will increase in 2024 and to prepare for war with the U.S., speaking on the second day of a year-end party meeting, according to state media on Thursday.

North Koreans should wage a “more courageous and resolute struggle despite the ever-increasing challenges and difficulties” in the new year, Kim said in a speech Wednesday on state policy changes for 2024, echoing his remarks on economic hardships made in most major speeches in recent years.

He demanded all military organizations “further accelerate the war preparations,” including the Korean People’s