Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith paid an official state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) this week, holding talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a move that reaffirmed decades of diplomatic ties and marked several historic anniversaries.
The visit, which took place on 7-8 October, came at the invitation of President Kim and was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK).
President Thongloun’s arrival in Pyongyang was met with a grand welcome ceremony, complete with a 21-gun salute and an inspection of the guard of honour.
Over 1,000 people, including Party members, officials, armed forces personnel, and local citizens, gathered at the Pyongyang City Sports Stadium Meeting Hall to greet the Lao delegation.
Talks to Deepen Bilateral Ties
Immediately following the ceremony, the two leaders held bilateral talks at the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee headquarters, where they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the relationship between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Workers’ Party of Korea.
President Kim Jong Un described the Lao leader’s visit as a “profoundly historic milestone” and voiced confidence that the trip would elevate traditional relations between the two nations. He also extended his best wishes for Laos’ preparations for the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in 2026.
President Thongloun expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality shown by the Korean leadership and people. He extended congratulations to the DPRK on the WPK’s 80th anniversary and thanked North Korea for its historical support during Laos’ revolutionary struggle and ongoing national development.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as education, cultural exchange, and Party-building efforts, while maintaining regular exchanges at various leadership levels. The leaders also held frank discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern, in a gesture underscoring their ideological and diplomatic alignment.
Timed with Key Diplomatic Anniversaries
The visit not only celebrated the WPK’s founding but also marked the 60th anniversary of the first meeting between Lao revolutionary leader Kaysone Phomvihane and DPRK founder Kim Il Sung. Additionally, this year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between Laos and North Korea in 1974.
President Kim later hosted a state banquet in honour of President Thongloun and the Lao delegation. The group also visited important landmarks around Pyongyang, further strengthening mutual understanding and cultural ties.
International Spotlight on DPRK
Thongloun’s visit came amid heightened international attention on North Korea, as Pyongyang prepares for what is widely expected to be a large-scale military parade on 10 October . South Korean military sources have suggested the parade could take place at night, involving tens of thousands of personnel in a high-profile display of military strength.
Although the Lao state media confirmed the visit dates as October 7–8, North Korean sources had initially implied President Thongloun might attend the 10 October celebrations themselves.
While the final schedule remains partially unconfirmed, his early visit makes him the first foreign leader publicly welcomed by the DPRK for the WPK’s anniversary, a symbolic gesture that underlines Laos’ unique relationship with North Korea.
Other foreign dignitaries are expected to arrive in Pyongyang for the celebrations, including Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council. Reports also suggest that Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam may visit the DPRK later this month, potentially marking the first such trip by a Vietnamese leader in nearly two decades, though this remains unconfirmed.
A Rare Diplomatic Spotlight
At a time when North Korea remains largely cut off from much of the world, President Thongloun’s visit offers a rare look at Pyongyang’s efforts to reconnect with its oldest allies. For Laos, the trip highlights its steady approach to foreign policy.
www.amarbank.co.id
