Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith visits the DPRK

Image via KCNA

Various Sources

At the invitation of Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and President of State Affairs, President Thongloun Sisoulith led a high-level Party and State delegation from the Lao People's Democratic Republic for an official visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on October 7 and 8. The visit coincided with North Korea marking the 80th founding anniversary of the WPK, a significant political milestone.

Thongloun Sisoulith's visit for this major DPRK political anniversary highlights Laos’ longstanding diplomatic ties and friendly relations with its fellow socialist country. The visit included formal welcoming ceremonies, reflecting the ceremonial and diplomatic importance of the occasion. The event also offered a platform for reinforcing bilateral relations, showcasing solidarity between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the DPRK.

At Pyongyang International Airport Sisoulith was greeted by the guard of honor of the Korean People's Army and Kim Song Nam, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and director of the International Department of the WPK Central Committee as well ass Im Chon Il, DPRK vice-minister of Foreign Affairs.

Later he attended an official ceremony where he was greeted by Kim Jong Un.

Kim Jong Un introduced Thongloun Sisoulith to the senior officials from the Party, government, and military who were there to welcome him.

After exchanging greetings with Vilay Lakhamphong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, who also serves as vice prime minister and minister of Public Security, along with Thongsavanh Phomvihane, the foreign minister of the LPDR, and other members of the Lao delegation, he joined Thongloun Sisoulith on the reviewing stand.

A 21-gun salute was fired amid the playing of the national anthems of the LPDR and the DPRK.

The two presidents held talks and reaffirmed the deep friendship between the two countries.