North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday released a rare hand-written New Year letter for his countrymen, AFP reported. In the letter, the leader thanked North Koreans for trusting and supporting his Workers’ Party, “even in the difficult times.”

“I sincerely wish all the families across the country greater happiness and beloved people, good health,” Kim said in the letter carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

“In the new year, too, I will work hard to bring earlier the new era in which the ideals and desires of our people will come true.”

“I offer thanks to the people for having invariably trusted and supported our Party even in the difficult times,” he added, apparently referring to economic hardship brought by international sanctions and strict anti-coronavirus measures.

South Korean media said it was the first time since 1995 that a North Korean leader has sent a New Year card to the country’s citizens, the last one coming from Kim’s father Kim Jong Il.

Kim usually delivers a televised speech on January 1 that is scrutinised by Korea-watchers for signs of where the reclusive state is headed in the new year.

But he skipped the occasion last year, replacing it with an address he had delivered at a party meeting the previous year.

Also read: North Korea leader Kim Jong Un likely to open big party meeting in January: Report

It is widely expected that he will again drop the televised speech this year ahead of the country’s first congress in five years.

The congress is expected to take place ahead of the January 20 inauguration of Joe Biden as US president. It is expected to set out a new economic and political plan for the sanctions-ridden country.

The last congress was held in 2016, which was the first in 36 years.

Also read: World ushers in New Year in shadow of pandemic

Kim also visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun mausoleum on the outskirts of Pyongyang at midnight, according to KCNA, to pay his respects to his grandfather and father — North Korean founder Kim Il Sung and his successor Kim Jong Il.