Laotian President's Rare North Korea Visit Amid Sanctions

Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith will journey to North Korea following an invitation from leader Kim Jong Un, according to state news agency KCNA. The visit is scheduled to mark the celebrations for the ruling party on October 10.

This trip represents a rare occurrence of a foreign leader visiting North Korea, as the nation remains heavily sanctioned internationally due to its contentious nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Additionally, Vietnam's Communist Party chief, To Lam, is anticipated to visit North Korea, signifying the first Vietnamese leader's visit in nearly two decades.

The presence of To Lam is not yet confirmed officially, although preparations are ongoing. Reports suggest North Korea may conduct a military parade to commemorate the Workers' Party of Korea's founding, according to South Korean officials and Yonhap news agency sources.

(With inputs from agencies.)