Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held talks in Pyongyang on Thursday and signed a treaty on friendship and cooperation, marking a new phase in bilateral relations.
Lukashenko, on a two-day official visit to North Korea, described the treaty as “fundamental” and said relations between the two countries are “entering a new stage,” according to his press service. He admitted that past cooperation had been limited but added that it has now “significantly intensified.”
During the visit, officials from both countries signed several other agreements and memorandums covering areas including education, healthcare, and agriculture. Lukashenko emphasised the importance of closer cooperation among independent nations amid a changing global order, noting the need to defend sovereignty and improve citizens’ well-being.
The Belarusian leader’s press office quoted Kim expressing “solidarity and full support” for Belarus and denouncing “unlawful pressure” from Western countries.
Lukashenko and Kim attended a concert and a formal reception together, and exchanged gifts. Kim presented Lukashenko with a sword and a vase featuring his portrait, while Lukashenko gave Kim a Belarus-made assault rifle, joking, “Just in case enemies show up.”
Belarus and North Korea maintain close ties with Russia. Lukashenko previously allowed Russian forces to use Belarus as a base during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and authorized the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Kim has also supported Moscow, sending troops and weapons to aid Russia’s war effort. The two leaders last met in Beijing in September 2025.