President Thongloun Sisoulith (third from right) on Wednesday leads a Lao delegation to place a basket of flowers at Pyongyang’s Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. --Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs

President’s state visit to DPRK signals strenthened ties

Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and State President Thongloun Sisoulith on Wednesday led a Lao delegation to lay a floral tribute at Pyongyang’s Kumsusan Palace of the Sun during his state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on October 7-8.
The President’s visit was in response to an invitation from General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of State Affairs of the DPRK, Mr Kim Jong Un.
The visit aimed to further strengthen the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two parties, states and peoples, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
Leading a high-level Lao delegation, President Thongloun paid tribute to the esteemed President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il.
This solemn gesture honoured their historic leadership and significant contributions to the Korean people’s struggle for national liberation, socialist construction, and the ongoing development of a strong and prosperous DPRK.
Mr Kim Il Sung is revered as the great and immortal founder of Korean socialism and a pioneer of independence who illuminated the path to progress through the Juche Idea, which promotes self-reliance.
Under the leadership of General Secretary Kim Jong Un, the DPRK continues to advance steadily towards comprehensive national strength and progress.
Following the tribute, President Thongloun and his delegation visited key institutions including the Central Cadres Training School of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the Defence Arms and Equipment Exhibition Hall, and the Mansudae Art Studio.
At the Party School, the delegation was given a detailed briefing on the Party’s achievements in building strong leadership and cadre development, which remain crucial to the DPRK’s socialist construction.
Founded by Mr Kim Il Sung in 1946, the Party’s legacy continues under the wise guidance of Mr Kim Jong Un.
The visit to the Defence Arms and Equipment Exhibition Hall showcased the advanced scientific and technical capabilities behind the development of high-powered weaponry, aimed at safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Korean homeland—key to sustaining the nation’s strength and prosperity.
At the Mansudae Art Studio, the delegation admired exquisite artistic and handicraft works that reflect the pride and cultural richness of DPRK’s thriving and civilised society, leaving a lasting impression on the visitors.
The visit marked the 60th anniversary of the first summit in Pyongyang between President Kaysone Phomvihane, the beloved and respected leader of the Lao people, and President Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the people of the DPRK.
It also marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and the DPRK.
The second day (October 8) of President Thongloun’s state visit further reinforced the fraternal ties between the Lao PDR and the DPRK, highlighting their shared commitment to socialism, national development, and mutual respect.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 10, 2025)