June 24 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(DPRK) and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic(LPDR).

The establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the LPDR on June 24, 1974, was a milestone which laid the foundations for further strengthening and developing the militant unity and cooperation between the two peoples across all fields in accomplishing the common cause of independence against imperialism.

During the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have maintained close cooperation and extended strong support in the regional and international arenas, while promoting high-level visits and cooperation in various fields.

Even in the face of the turbulent international situation, the friendly relations between the two countries have followed the path of steady development for half a century in the past as it is based on the solid foundation provided by the preceding leaders and shares a common ideal.

The first meeting between President Kim Il Sung and Comrade Kaysone Phomvihane in Pyongyang in October 1965 was a historic event that laid the cornerstone of the Korea-Laos friendship and gave strong impetus to its development.

President Kim Il Sung met with the Party and state leaders of Laos including Comrade Kaysone Phomvihane and Comrade Khamtay Siphandone on several occasions during his lifetime. On the road of fighting for the common socialist ideal, he forged and cultivated deep friendship with them based on noble revolutionary obligation, thus providing the nutrient and mainspring of the development of the bilateral relations.

In Pyongyang in September 2011, Chairman Kim Jong Il and respected Comrade Kim Jong Un met with Comrade Choummaly Sayasone, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party(LPRP) and President of the LPDR. This was a historic event of great significance in developing onto a higher level the traditional relations of Korea-Laos friendship and cooperation permeated with the great devotion and efforts of the preceding leaders.

The bilateral relations are now in a new heyday of development thanks to the close attention of respected Comrade Kim Jong Un , General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the DPRK, and Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the LPRP and President of the LPDR.

Though geographically far away, our people value the ties of friendship and cooperation with the Lao people. We are pleased that the fraternal Lao people are achieving remarkable successes in implementing the decisions made at the 11th Congress of the LPRP under the correct leadership of the LPRP headed by Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith, and we sincerely wish them greater success in the future.

It is the steadfast position of the government of our Republic to cherish the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation with Laos and further expand and develop it into a solid and strategic one unaffected by any changes in the international situation, following the road towards socialism – the common ideal.

The traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries have recorded a proud history over centuries and generations. It will, as ever, display greater strength in the common struggle of the two peoples for realizing their noble ideals and objectives.

Pak Sang Gil

Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, DPRK