PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — North Korea's ruling-party congress has bestowed a new title on Kim Jong Un: party chairman. The move highlights how the country's first congress in 36 years is aimed at bolstering the young leader.

The news emerged Monday during the few minutes a small group of foreign media was allowed the watch the congress in the ornate April 25 House of Culture.

As a military band in full uniform played the welcoming song used whenever North Korea's leader enters a public place, Kim strode onto the stage, generating a long loud standing ovation from the several thousand delegates attending.

Kim Yong Nam, the head of the North's Parliament, stood to read a roster of top party positions — calling Kim Jong Un chairman for the first time.