Seoul, Oct 8 (NationPress) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un engaged in discussions with Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, reaching an agreement to enhance bilateral cooperation, as reported by the North's state media on Wednesday.

The meeting was held in Pyongyang during President Thongloun's visit to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the North's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

During their talks, both leaders explored avenues to bolster mutual collaboration, with the KCNA stating that they expressed "expectation and conviction that the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the two sides will grow stronger."

Kim remarked that Thongloun's visit symbolized his government's "full support and encouragement" for North Korea. The Lao leader, in turn, promised to continue efforts to further nurture the friendship and collaboration between their nations, as per the report.

After the discussions, Kim hosted a reception to honor Thongloun's visit, during which both leaders delivered speeches, although the KCNA did not provide further details.

Thongloun's last visit to Pyongyang occurred in September 2011 when he served as deputy prime minister and foreign minister, accompanying then-President Choummaly Sayasone for talks with the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

In addition to Thongloun, 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 commemorates its ruling party's foundation anniversary on Oct. 10 each year, according to the Yonhap news agency citing the KCNA.

North Korea is slated to conduct a large-scale military parade in celebration of the party anniversary. The South Korean military indicated that the North might organize a nighttime parade featuring tens of thousands of personnel.

The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between Laos and Korea. Over the past three decades, cooperation has intensified, particularly in terms of people-to-people connections. By June 2025, approximately 17,000 Lao nationals were residing and working in Korea, a figure that more than doubled compared to the previous year.