Belarus President, North Korean Leader Sign Friendship Pact in Pyongyang

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Thursday in North Korea's capital to formalize a friendship and cooperation agreement. Both leaders emphasized the need for independent nations to work together against Western pressure and international law violations.

A diplomatic meeting between Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded Thursday with the signing of a friendship and cooperation agreement in North Korea’s capital city.

During his two-day official visit to Pyongyang, Lukashenko described the newly signed document as “fundamental” and declared that bilateral relations between the nations are “entering a new stage,” his press office reported.

“Yes, we didn’t have close cooperation, largely due to our own fault. But I am sincerely pleased to note that cooperation has now significantly intensified,” Lukashenko stated.

The Belarusian leader further emphasized the importance of international partnerships, saying: “In today’s reality of a global transformation, when the global powers openly ignore and violate international law, independent countries need to cooperate more closely, consolidate efforts aimed at protecting their sovereignty and improving the well-being of our citizens.”

According to Lukashenko’s press office, Kim voiced “solidarity and full support” for Belarus while condemning “unlawful pressure on Belarus from the West.”

The meeting strengthens ties between two nations already aligned with Russia. Belarus maintains a strong alliance with Moscow, with Lukashenko permitting Russian forces to launch their February 2022 Ukraine invasion from Belarusian soil and later agreeing to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

Similarly, Kim has strengthened North Korea’s relationship with Moscow, deploying thousands of soldiers and substantial military equipment to assist Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Ukrainian conflict while positioning North Korea as part of an anti-Western coalition.

The two leaders previously met in Beijing during September 2025.