NORTH KOREAN leader Kim Jong Un praised what he called his country’s fight against a United States-led military threat and vowed to turn North Korea into "the best socialist paradise in the world."

The comments from Mr Kim came as he addressed anniversary celebrations on the eve of the 80th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party today.

In a speech on Thursday at Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium packed with tens of thousands of spectators, Mr Kim said that North Korea has been pushing for the simultaneous development of nuclear weapons and the economy to cope with "growing nuclear war threats by the US imperialists," according to local media.

Mr Kim said: "Our party and government are still coping with our adversaries’ ferocious political and military moves of pressure by pursuing harder-line policies, holding fast to firm principles and employing brave, unflinching countermeasures.

"This is powerfully propelling the growth of the progressive camp against war and hegemony."

The North Korean leader also expressed confidence in overcoming difficulties and drastically improving the economy in the near future. 

“I will surely turn this country into a more affluent and beautiful land and into the best socialist paradise in the world,” Mr Kim said.

Foreign dignitaries attending the celebration included Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Communist Party of Vietnam general secretary To Lam. 

North Korean media photos showed Kim waving between Li and To Lam as the central section of the stands used cards to spell out the words “Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea” and fireworks lit up the sky.

Mr Kim separately met Mr Li and To Lam for talks on strengthening ties, and one of his top deputies, Jo Yong Won, met Mr Medvedev.

The North Koreans plan to hold a military parade  which could feature some of the weapons systems North Korea has tested or unveiled in past years.

This includes intercontinental ballistic missiles that could potentially reach the US mainland and shorter-range weapons the North claims can deliver nuclear strikes against rival South Korea.

North Korea’s three major state-run newspapers including the main Rodong Sinmun issued a rare joint editorial urging loyalty to Kim and supporting his nuclear weapons programme.

Mr Kim is “the great representative of the party and the nation’s dignity and bright future,” the editorial said.

It was the first time that they ran a joint editorial since January 2012, in a New Year’s statement weeks after Mr Kim inherited power following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.