Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has congratulated Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith on his reelection as the nation's leader, expressing his hope for further developing ties with Laos, state media reported Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim sent a congratulatory message to Sisoulith, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, on April 1, following his reelection as president of Laos at the first session of a new parliament on March 23, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim Jong-un described Sisoulith's reelection as a demonstration of "deep trust and strong support" from Laos' ruling party, government, and people. He conveyed his belief that "friendly and cooperative relations between our two parties and two countries will continue to deepen and develop" following the spirit of an agreement made during their meeting in October last year in Pyongyang.

The North Korean leader had previously engaged in discussions with Sisoulith in Pyongyang in October, coinciding with the 80th founding anniversary of North Korea's Workers' Party. During these talks, both leaders agreed on the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation.