Kim Yo Jong has been promoted to full department director within the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea during a rare party congress in Pyongyang, according to state media.

The once-in-five-years gathering brings together thousands of party elites to set national policy on issues ranging from diplomacy to military planning.

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, is considered one of his closest advisers and most influential figures in the regime.

Educated in Switzerland, she has risen steadily since her brother took power in 2011 following the death of their father, Kim Jong Il, France 24 has reported.

She has frequently represented Pyongyang in official statements and notably visited South Korea during the 2018 Winter Olympics.