Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn left for Laos Sunday to discuss enhancing bilateral ties and South Korea's possible participation in constructing a power plant in the Southeast Asian country.
Hwang's trip to Laos is on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two sides.
The sides severed their relations in 1975 following Laos' communization. They re-established relations in 1995.
It marks the first time for a South Korean prime minster to make an official visit there.
Hwang is set to meet with his Lao counterpart, Thongsing Thammavong, and President Choummaly Sayasone during the trip.
Hwang is expected to discuss the possible participation of South Korean companies in a project to build a hydroelectric power plant in Laos.
He then will leave for Mongolia on Tuesday for talks with his Mongolian counterpart, Chimediin Saikhanbileg, and President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj on how to boost cooperation in trade and infrastructure.
This is Hwang's second overseas trip since taking office in June. In September, he traveled to France. (Yonhap)
