Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, sent a congratulatory message and a floral basket to Thongloun Sisoulith, the General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Laos’ founding.
The party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on its front page on Tuesday that Kim’s full congratulatory message had been published.
In his message, Kim stated that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, he extends warm congratulations and heartfelt greetings to the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the Lao people through the good offices.
He emphasized that over the past five decades since Laos’ establishment, the Lao people have achieved remarkable progress in safeguarding the fruits of the socialist revolution, strengthening the system of people’s democracy, and advancing the country’s prosperity under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
Kim also expressed confidence that in line with the spirit of the agreements reached during the meeting in Pyongyang, the friendly cooperative relationship between the two parties and countries will continue to flourish. He concluded by wishing Sisoulith good health and greater success in his responsibilities.
The newspaper also reported that on November 28, the North Korean ambassador to Laos delivered a congratulatory floral basket on behalf of Kim to officials at the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Furthermore, the Lao embassy in North Korea hosted a reception on December 1 at the Daedonggang Diplomatic Club. Attendees included Kang Yun-seok, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, Choi Hee-tae, Chairman of the Korea-Laos Friendship Association and Chairman of the Pyongyang City People’s Committee, along with other officials. Khao Makafun, the Lao ambassador to North Korea, was also present.
Recently, North Korea has been strengthening ties with Russia and China while maintaining diplomatic contacts with traditional socialist allies. Laos has long-standing friendly relations with North Korea, and President Sisoulith visited Pyongyang in October for a summit with Kim to mark the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party’s founding.
On November 10, Kim also sent a congratulatory floral basket to General Secretary Sisoulith in honor of his 80th birthday.