North Korean leader Kim Jong-un welcomed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Pyongyang on Wednesday. The visit, Lukashenko's first official trip to the North at Kim's invitation, spans two days and includes plans to sign a friendship and cooperation treaty.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un welcomed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Wednesday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The Belarusian leader arrived by private plane for a two-day official visit at Kim's invitation, marking his first such trip to the North. The ceremony featured the playing of both nations' national anthems and a 21-gun salute. Kim 'gladly met' Lukashenko and 'warmly welcomed' him, KCNA reported. Guided by Kim, Lukashenko reviewed an honor guard. Afterward, Lukashenko laid a wreath at the Liberation Tower to honor Soviet soldiers who helped liberate Korea from Japanese colonial rule. He also paid tribute at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, laying a bouquet sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Accompanying Lukashenko were Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko and ministers of foreign affairs, public health, education, and industry. The two countries plan to sign a treaty on friendship and cooperation during the visit, Belarusian state news agency Belta reported, citing Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov. Ryzhenkov noted interests in agriculture, education, and health care. The leaders last met in September 2025 in Beijing during a military parade, when Kim invited Lukashenko. North Korea and Belarus, both supporters of Russia in its invasion of Ukraine—Pyongyang with troops and weapons, Minsk with territory access—seek economic cooperation despite U.N. sanctions. (Yonhap, KCNA, Belta)
