N. Korea sends condolences over death of ex-Lao parliament president

North Korea has extended condolences following the passing of Xaysomphone Phomvihane, the former president of Laos' National Assembly, according to state media reports on August 12. The condolence message was issued by the standing committee of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly, highlighting the former Lao leader's contributions to the cause of socialism and the strengthening of relations between the two nations.

The message, published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), emphasized that the deeds of Xaysomphone Phomvihane would always be remembered. North Korean officials from the SPA standing committee, the foreign ministry, and the DPRK-Laos Friendship Association paid their respects to the Lao embassy in Pyongyang. The visit came in the wake of meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Pyongyang last October.

The two leaders agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation and the two countries had established diplomatic relations in June 1974, maintaining ties since then.