Belarus and North Korea sign friendship and cooperation treaty

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visited Pyongyang on March 26 to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The two leaders participated in an official welcome ceremony and held discussions to solidify ties between their countries. During the visit, they signed a formal treaty of friendship and cooperation. Lukashenko visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to pay respects and delivered a floral tribute on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both Belarus and North Korea are close allies of Russia, and both have provided support for the Russian war effort in Ukraine; specifically, North Korea has reportedly sent troops and munitions to the Kursk region, while Belarus served as a staging ground for the 2022 invasion. Official media stated that the leaders discussed strengthening economic ties, particularly in food and pharmaceuticals, though critics noted that current trade remains minimal. Both nations face significant Western sanctions and accusations of human rights violations. Lukashenko noted that their economies are complementary, while Kim condemned Western pressure on Belarus.