Scientists who worked on last week's long-range rocket launch also attended, state television said.

BBC: North Koreans mark Kim Jong-il death anniversary

Last year it failed in an attempt to send a satellite into space aboard a long-range rocket.

NPR: A Look At The North Korea Crisis

Security Council last year condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket, saying it violated a resolution banning ballistic missile testing.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The UN Security Council agreed in January to increase sanctions against North Korea after it carried out a long-range rocket launch in December.

BBC: S Korea leader warns of 'multiple' N Korea nuclear tests

Obama's speech came on the same day that North Korea launched a long-range rocket, which was widely condemned by U.S. and international officials, including U.N.

CNN: Obama calls for reduction in nuclear weapons

The long-range rocket fired from Gaza earlier on Friday, which struck near the town of Ofakim, was the first of its kind in several months, an official said.

BBC: Israeli air strikes hit two Gaza towns

Putting a satellite into orbit on a long-range rocket as it did in December is a lot different from delivering a warhead to a desired location on such a rocket.

WSJ: North Korea Puts Artillery Forces on Combat Alert

Obama said he and Abe were united in their "determination to take strong actions" in response to North Korea's nuclear test this month, which followed a successful long-range rocket launch last month.

NPR: PM Says 'Japan's Back,' Vows Stronger Ties With US

There had also been indications of construction activity on the rocket site's upper gantry platform "required for future launches of long-range rockets", it said.

BBC: US institute: North Korea 'testing at rocket site'