Briefly

DPRK

Orientation of work for 2024 unveiled

The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea revealed the orientation of work for 2024 at the 9th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on Wednesday. During the session, WPK General Secretary Kim Jong-un emphasized efforts to strengthen the state administrative and economic work system and further enhance the Cabinet's responsibility and role, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday. According to the report, the DPRK's top leader pointed out key priorities for sectors in the coming year, including basic industry, light industry, and construction.

EUROPE

'Architect of EU' Delors dies at 98

Jacques Delors, a former head of the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, and a key figure in the establishment of the euro currency, has died, AFP reported on Wednesday, citing his daughter Martine Aubry. A Socialist, Delors had a high-profile political career in France, where he served as finance minister under president Francois Mitterrand from 1981 to 1984. From 1985 to 1995, he led the European Commission during a transformative decade for the bloc. European leaders expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Delors' contributions to European integration.

LIBERIA

40 killed in fuel tanker explosion

At least 40 people have died following the explosion of a gas tanker in north-central Liberia, the West African country's chief medical officer, Francis Kateh, said on Wednesday. The fuel truck crashed late on Tuesday in Totota, Lower Bong County, and soon after exploded, killing and injuring many who had flocked to the scene, Reuters reported. Police earlier put the death toll at 15 and said at least 30 people were injured as locals gathered at the scene.

Xinhua - Agencies