N. Korea to boost Laos links: State media

SEOUL (AFP) - North Korea has signed four agreements with Laos to increase cooperation between the two socialist nations, Pyongyang's state media reported on Thursday.

The agreements were signed "with due ceremonies" on Wednesday during a visit by the North's ceremonial head of state Kim Yong-Nam, the official news agency reported.

"It is the steadfast stand of the DPRK (North Korean) government to develop the traditional relations of friendship with Laos," Mr Kim was quoted as telling Laotian President Choummaly Sayasone in Vientiane.

The agreements cover information technology, cultural exchanges, education and commerce, the agency said.