North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il has promoted dozens of senior military officers to mark a major anniversary this week, state media said Wednesday.

Kim, who commands the 1.2 million-strong military, issued an order Tuesday to promote two officers to colonel-general, five to lieutenant-general and 38 to major-general.

The order was issued to mark the "Day of the Sun", the anniversary on Friday of the birth of late founding leader Kim Il-Sung, the official news agency said.

His son Kim Jong-Il expressed "firm belief" that military commanders would remain loyal to the leadership of the ruling communist party.

The regime's Songun (army first) policy prioritises the welfare of the military over civilians.