SEOUL: Top diplomats of South Korea and Laos held talks Wednesday to discuss various diplomatic concerns impacting regional security, particularly North Korea's troop deployment to Russia, the foreign ministry said. The discussions between Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and his visiting Lao counterpart, Saleumxay Kommasith, occurred amid a series of provocative actions by North Korea, including its intercontinental ballistic missile launch and the dispatch of arms and troops to Russia. According to Yonhap News Agency, during the meeting, Cho urged Laos and other ASEAN countries to play constructive roles in encouraging North Korea to return to denuclearization talks. North Korea and Laos have long maintained friendly ties, highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement in the region. The two ministers also focused on implementing follow-up measures to an agreement made last month between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith. The summit led to a mutual decision to el evate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership next year, marking the 30th anniversary of reestablishing their diplomatic ties.