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Key Points

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un just met with Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith in Pyongyang. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between their countries during the visit. This meeting took place as North Korea prepares to celebrate its ruling party's 80th anniversary. Several other foreign officials are also expected to attend the upcoming anniversary events.

Key Points: Kim Jong-un Meets Laos President Thongloun in Pyongyang

  • Kim Jong-un welcomed Thongloun's visit as full support for North Korea's government
  • Both leaders pledged to deepen traditional friendship and mutual cooperation between nations
  • The meeting occurred during Laos president's visit for North Korea's 80th party anniversary
  • Foreign dignitaries including Chinese and Russian officials expected at celebrations
  • North Korea plans large military parade marking the Workers' Party foundation
  • Diplomatic relations between Laos and Korea reach 30th anniversary milestone in 2025
2 min read

North Korea's Kim holds talks with Laos president in Pyongyang

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un holds talks with Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, agreeing to strengthen bilateral cooperation during 80th party anniversary celebrations.

"expectation and conviction that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the two sides will grow stronger - KCNA"

Seoul, Oct 8

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has held talks with Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, the North's state media reported Wednesday.

The meeting took place in Pyongyang on Tuesday during the Laos President's visit for celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the North's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

During the talks, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance mutual cooperation, with the KCNA quoting the meeting as expressing "expectation and conviction that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the two sides will grow stronger."

Kim said Thongloun's visit represented his government's "full support and encouragement" for North Korea, while the Lao leader pledged continued efforts to further develop the two nations' friendship and cooperation, according to the report.

Following the meeting, Kim hosted a reception to welcome Thongloun's visit, during which both leaders delivered speeches, the KCNA said, without providing further details.

Thongloun last visited Pyongyang in September 2011 as deputy prime minister and foreign minister, accompanying then President Choummaly Sayasone for talks with late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

In addition to Thongloun, several other foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the anniversary event, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev. North Korea celebrates its ruling party's foundation anniversary on Oct. 10 every year, Yonhap news agency reported quoting the KCNA.

North Korea is expected to hold a large-scale military parade to celebrate the party anniversary. The South Korean military said Thursday the North may stage a nighttime parade involving tens of thousands of personnel.

The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Korea. Over the past three decades, cooperation has deepened, particularly in people-to-people links. As of June 2025, about 17,000 Lao nationals were living and working in Korea, a figure more than double that of the previous year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While every country has the right to pursue its foreign policy, North Korea's human rights record remains concerning. India should continue its balanced approach - engaging where necessary but not compromising on democratic values. The military parade sounds excessive though.
A
Ananya R
The 17,000 Lao workers in Korea statistic is fascinating! Shows how economic ties develop regardless of political systems. India has similar worker exchanges with many countries - it's people-to-people connections that truly build bridges. 🤝
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows international relations closely, this meeting shows North Korea's continued efforts to break isolation. India's foreign policy of strategic autonomy allows us to engage with all nations while maintaining our principles. Smart diplomacy is key!
V
Vikram M
The timing is interesting with China and Russia also sending representatives. India should monitor these developments closely, especially given our strategic interests in the region. Our foreign ministry's calibrated approach seems appropriate here.
K
Kavya N
While diplomatic engagements are normal, I hope the focus remains on improving lives of ordinary citizens in both countries. India's development partnerships in the region show how cooperation should benefit people first. The military spending could be better used for development.

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