PYONGYANG: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a “Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation” on Friday during Lukashenko’s first-ever visit to North Korea.
Kim rolled out the red carpet for the Belarusian leader, complete with an artillery salute and goose-stepping troops and flag-waving crowds. They later hugged at a lavish banquet and held formal talks.
Both countries are also under Western sanctions and have been actively supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine. Lukashenko has allowed Belarus to be used as a base for the Russians, while North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers and large amounts of artillery shells and missiles to aid the Russians in the war against Ukraine.
Closer ties beyond politics
Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov said the new treaty will open doors for cooperation in several areas, including agriculture, information and trade. He mentioned that Belarus could export pharmaceutical products and food to North Korea.
Analysts say the visit is part of a broader effort by Russia, China and their partners to build a “multipolar world” that challenges Western influence. It also shows growing solidarity among countries that oppose Western sanctions and pressure.
Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, has become one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest allies since the Ukraine war began in 2022.
Overall, the signing of this friendship treaty comes at a time when both nations are trying to reduce their isolation.
