Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith has arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit, with talks expected to focus on strengthening relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev personally welcomed the visiting leader at the Palace of Independence in Astana, according to Qazinform.

The official reception featured an honor guard and a performance of the national anthems of Kazakhstan and Laos by the presidential orchestra.

Following the ceremony, Tokayev and Sisoulith walked along a red carpet to the national flag of Kazakhstan before beginning a restricted-format meeting.