His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany today, to head the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participating in the Munich Security Conference 2026, which is one of the most important international forums concerned with discussing security and defense policies worldwide.

The Kingdom's delegation participating in this edition of the conference includes a distinguished group of officials and decision-makers: His Excellency Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs; His Excellency Majid bin Mohammed Al-Mazyad, Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority; and Major General Fahd bin Hamad Al-Otaibi, CEO of the Center for Strategic Defense Studies and Research. This diversity within the delegation reflects the comprehensive Saudi perspective on the modern concept of security, which extends beyond traditional military aspects.

The Munich Security Conference holds immense strategic importance as the premier global platform that brings together heads of state and government, ministers, and senior security officials to discuss current and future crises. The Kingdom's participation at this time underscores its pivotal and leading role in promoting international peace and security, particularly in light of the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the world, where Riyadh consistently strives to offer diplomatic solutions that support regional stability.

One of the implications of the formation of the Saudi delegation is the focus on vital files that are at the forefront of the global scene. The presence of the climate affairs envoy indicates the Kingdom’s interest in the file of “environmental security” and the impact of climate change on the stability of countries, while the participation of the governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority reflects the utmost importance that the Kingdom attaches to “digital security” and the protection of infrastructure in light of the escalation of cyber wars globally, which is in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in building an integrated security system.

During the conference sessions, His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Their Excellencies and Highnesses are scheduled to discuss the most prominent regional and international issues and the challenges facing global security and stability, in addition to holding a series of bilateral meetings with their counterparts from friendly and partner countries to strengthen frameworks for joint cooperation and coordinate positions on critical issues.

Recent South Korean intelligence reports have revealed serious and systematic moves by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to pave the way for his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, to become the likely successor to power in the nuclear-armed state. Two South Korean lawmakers reported on Thursday, citing a briefing from the National Intelligence Service, that there are strong indications the daughter is becoming increasingly involved in political affairs beyond mere protocol appearances.

Strengthening the position of the "first daughter"

Parliamentarians explained that the intelligence service is closely monitoring upcoming developments, specifically Kim Ju-ae's potential attendance at the ruling Workers' Party's upcoming meeting, how she will be presented to the media and the public, and whether she will be granted an official position within the party structure. It is estimated that the nature of her roles at public events suggests she has begun to make political contributions, and that she is effectively being treated within the inner circles of power as the second most powerful figure in the country.

Historical context: The fourth generation of the family's rule

This development comes within the long-established historical context of the Pyongyang regime, which has relied entirely on the dynastic succession of power since the founding of the state by grandfather Kim Il-sung, through father Kim Jong-il, and up to the current leader. The potential rise of Ju-ae is a clear indication of Kim Jong-un's desire to secure the continuation of family rule for a fourth generation, a cornerstone of the regime's stability and its political ideology based on the cult of personality.

Significance of military and political emergence

Kim Ju-ae, believed to be in her early teens, is increasingly appearing in North Korean state media, often alongside her father at highly sensitive locations such as inspecting weapons programs and missile launch sites. Political analysts see this deliberate association of the daughter with the military as sending a message to both the international community and the North Korean leadership that the country's strategic and defense policies will continue unabated under the next generation of leaders.

Anticipation for the Labour Party meeting

All eyes are now on the opening session of the Ninth Workers' Party Congress, scheduled for late February. This event is considered pivotal, as experts expect it to reveal the main political directions for the coming years, particularly regarding the economy, foreign policy, and defense. It will also be a true test of the seriousness with which Kim Ju-ae can be presented to the ruling elite as the official successor to her father.