North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held summit talks in Pyongyang, where they signed a treaty on friendship and cooperation. Lukashenko, known as an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, visited North Korea at Kim’s invitation, elevating bilateral ties to a new level. The leaders also inked agreements covering diplomacy, agriculture, public health, and other areas, aiming to enhance their cooperative relationship for the benefit of their people.
Earlier, on March 26, Lukashenko made his first official visit to North Korea, receiving a warm welcome from Kim Jong-un. During the visit, a ceremony was held at Kim Il Sung Square to mark Lukashenko’s arrival in Pyongyang via his private plane. Both countries, North Korea and Belarus, have shown support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, with North Korea sending troops and weapons, and Belarus allowing Russia to use its territory for military purposes.
Accompanied by Kim, Lukashenko paid respects at the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang, honoring former Soviet Union soldiers who aided in Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The leaders observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the fallen soldiers. Lukashenko was joined by Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko and ministers of foreign affairs, public health, education, and industry for the visit.
