North Korea and Laos sustain ties despite COVID-19 and other obstacles | NK News
NK News Logo
October 13, 2024
Analysis

North Korea and Laos sustain ties despite COVID-19 and other obstacles

Kim Jong Un 'cherishes' relationship and is working to elevate ties further, state media has said

Earlier this year, the U.N. Panel of Experts reported that at least four restaurants and one night market tied to North Korea remain in operation in Laos even after authorities there took measures to close them. The report added that DPRK nationals have also been working “as waitresses and dance performers” at the establishments despite an earlier deadline to repatriate them.

The revelation of this activity, while small in the grand scheme of North Korea’s initiatives to earn foreign currency abroad, served to underline its continuing ties with the small socialist state in Southeast Asia that go back decades.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.