Lukashenko visits North Korea to strengthen bilateral relations

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is set to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, where they are expected to sign a treaty of friendship and several agreements. The two-day visit began on Wednesday, with the aim of identifying key areas of mutual interest and exploring potential cooperation projects.

Lukashenko stated that “the time has come to step up relations” between Belarus and North Korea, citing the current situation as an opportunity for increased ties. He also mentioned plans to sign a treaty of friendship and approximately 10 agreements during the visit.

The meeting marks the first official visit by Lukashenko to North Korea, following a previous encounter in September in Beijing. Kim Jong Un extended an invitation to Lukashenko at that time, which was accepted.

North Korea has been subject to Western sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program and missile activity, as well as its support for Russia’s war against Ukraine. Belarus has also been under scrutiny for its authoritarian government and human rights record.

Lukashenko’s visit comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea in 2024, promising to support the country in defending its interests. The two countries signed a mutual defense agreement during Putin’s trip.

The US has sought to build ties with Belarus, easing sanctions and welcoming it to its “Board of Peace”. However, human rights organizations have criticized the Belarusian government for its treatment of dissidents and prisoners.

In recent months, Minsk has released dozens of prisoners, including 250 earlier this month, largely due to US efforts. Despite this, the country still holds hundreds of political prisoners in its jails.

Source: Al Jazeera