Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as chairman of the State Affairs Commission, state media KCNA reported.

The country also replaced the premier of its cabinet with Kim Jae Ryong, during the first session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly held Thursday.

Pak Pong Ju had served his current post as premier since 2013.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un is elected as chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK at the first session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) in Pyongyang, April 11, 2019. /Reuters Photo‍ DPRK leader Kim Jong Un is elected as chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK at the first session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) in Pyongyang, April 11, 2019. /Reuters Photo‍

"The election of the Supreme Leader as chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK is the great political event of crucial historical significance," the KCNA said.

Choe Ryong Hae was named the president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK.

The person holding that position is technically considered DPRK's head of state and usually represents the country at diplomatic events.

Choe Ryong Hae, vice chairman of the central committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), inspects a farm in Sariwon, DPRK, in this photo released on April 9, 2019, by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). /Reuters Photo Choe Ryong Hae, vice chairman of the central committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), inspects a farm in Sariwon, DPRK, in this photo released on April 9, 2019, by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). /Reuters Photo

Kim Yong Nam, born in 1928, has been one of the longest-serving senior officials, having had held the position since 1998, according to data by South Korea's Unification Ministry. The 91-year-old appeared in a number of international engagements last year, including landmark summits with the leaders of the U.S., China and South Korea and the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

Choe Ryong Hae, born in 1950, was one of the most powerful officials in the DPRK as head of the Workers' Party of Korea Organization and Guidance Department, and served as the director of cultural exchange programs and vice chairman at the Kim Il Sung Youth League in the 1980s, leading youth delegations on goodwill visits to China, Russia, Japan, Libya and Greece, according to database North Korea Leadership Watch.

Elsewhere, top nuclear negotiator Kim Yong Chol and others involved in Pyongyang's summit with the U.S. in Hanoi in February were elected as State Affairs Commission members.

Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui were also promoted to the DPRK's top decision-making body.

(With inputs from Reuters, AFP)