PYONGYANG — Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has visited the Nampho Shipyard, calling for upgrading the country's shipbuilding capacity for a strong naval force, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, made the inspection on Monday.

The report said the key shipyard is pushing ahead with the project to modernize its overall production lines, and is making progress in building a new warship.

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"The advanced and hi-tech shipbuilding base is essential for building a powerful naval force which no one can provoke," Kim was quoted as saying during the visit.

Given "the recent geopolitical environment and hostile acts of the enemies," Kim stressed an unprecedented urgency for the DPRK to possess "the most developed and powerful warship."

"We should defend the country, ensure sovereignty and deter all threats," he said.