Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko presented North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with a rifle during their meeting in Pyongyang, where the two leaders officially signed a new friendship treaty. State media outlets reported on the exchange and the signing ceremony.
Both leaders, who have positioned themselves as key allies of Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, committed to enhanced cooperation and a united front against pressure exerted by Western nations. Lukashenko, in a video shared by Belarusian state media, humorously presented the automatic rifle to Kim, stating it was “just in case enemies appear.”
In a reciprocal gesture, Kim Jong Un gifted Lukashenko a sword and a decorative vase that depicted a portrait of the Belarusian president. He expressed his confidence in Belarus’s future, addressing Kim directly and stating, “I can tell you as a friend, as a person who has already seen everything in this world: a great future awaits your country with this hardworking, disciplined people,” as reported by the Belarus news agency Belta.
Lukashenko further elaborated on the geopolitical climate, noting that in an era where “the norms of international law are openly ignored and violated by powers that be,” countries must collaborate to ensure their “sovereignty and improving the well-being of our citizens.”
Describing the newly signed friendship treaty as “fundamental,” Lukashenko highlighted its importance. Kim Jong Un echoed this sentiment, asserting that the agreement would “further guarantee the stable development of bilateral relations,” according to Belta. The two leaders also agreed to expand their collaboration across various sectors, including agriculture, information technology, and public health, as stated by KCNA.
Both North Korea and Belarus are currently subject to significant international sanctions from Western countries. These measures stem from alleged human rights violations and their support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. North Korea faces additional sanctions related to its nuclear weapons program.
Reports indicate that Pyongyang has been providing military support to Russia’s campaign. In the initial months of Moscow’s involvement in Ukraine, it was estimated by Western officials that around 1,000 North Korean soldiers had perished. This week, in a message addressed to Russian President Putin, Kim Jong Un affirmed North Korea’s unwavering support, stating that “Pyongyang will always be with Moscow,” according to KCNA.
Ukraine has previously accused Russia of utilizing Belarusian territory as a staging ground for attacks directed at Ukrainian targets.