Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a friendship and cooperation treaty in Pyongyang, according to North Korea’s KCNA news agency on March 26. Lukashenko’s office said the agreement is a fundamental document that opens a new stage in relations between Belarus and North Korea. Reports Dw.com.
The two sides also signed several memorandums and cooperation deals in education, healthcare and agriculture. Kim reportedly told Lukashenko that North Korea stands in solidarity with Belarus and fully supports it against what he called illegal pressure from the West. Lukashenko said Minsk and Pyongyang share the same views on major international issues.
The visit also included a symbolic exchange of gifts. KCNA said Kim presented Lukashenko with a sword and a vase featuring his portrait. In return, Lukashenko gave Kim a Belarus-made automatic weapon, saying it could be used if enemies appear.
Lukashenko arrived in North Korea on March 25 for his first official visit. Reuters noted that both Belarus and North Korea have supported Russia during the war in Ukraine. North Korea has been accused of sending ammunition and troops to Russia, while Belarus allowed its territory to be used during the full-scale invasion and later agreed to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons.
Belarusian opposition figure Valery Tsepkalo told Reuters the meeting was largely symbolic and meant to show that neither country is deeply isolated internationally.
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