Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met in Pyongyang to sign a treaty on friendship and cooperation, signifying a strengthened phase in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Lukashenko, who was in North Korea for a two-day official visit, described the treaty as ‘fundamental’ and highlighted that the relationship between Belarus and North Korea is ‘entering a new stage.’ He acknowledged that past cooperation had been limited but noted that it has now ‘significantly intensified.’
The visit also saw the signing of several other agreements and memorandums in sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. Lukashenko stressed the necessity of closer collaboration among independent countries in light of the evolving global order, emphasizing the importance of defending sovereignty and enhancing the well-being of citizens.
A statement from the Belarusian leader’s press office quoted Kim Jong Un expr
essing ‘solidarity and full support’ for Belarus while condemning what he termed as ‘unlawful pressure’ from Western nations.
The visit included cultural exchanges, with Lukashenko and Kim attending a concert and a formal reception together, where they exchanged gifts. Kim presented Lukashenko with a sword and a vase featuring his portrait, while Lukashenko gifted Kim a Belarus-made assault rifle, humorously commenting, ‘Just in case enemies show up.’
Both Belarus and North Korea maintain strong ties with Russia. Lukashenko has previously allowed Russian forces to utilize Belarus as a strategic base during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and sanctioned the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Kim Jong Un has also shown support for Moscow, sending troops and weapons to assist Russia’s military efforts. The two leaders last met in Beijing in September 2025.