Kim Jong Un, Lukashenko Sign Friendship Treaty

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a friendship treaty during Lukashenko's first official visit to Pyongyang, state media reported. The agreement marks a new stage in relations between the two Russia-aligned countries.

The summit followed talks on Thursday where both leaders discussed expanding cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues. Kim expressed support for Belarus' efforts to maintain socio-political stability and economic development, while Lukashenko described bilateral ties as entering a 'new development stage.' Additional agreements were signed covering diplomacy, information, agriculture, education, and public health.

According to The Guardian, the treaty signifies closer alignment among Pyongyang, Minsk, and Moscow. Both countries have provided support to Russia's war in Ukraine, with North Korea supplying munitions and troops and Belarus allowing its territory for military operations. The summit also comes amid a tentative thaw in relations between Belarus and the United States.

Lukashenko's visit included high-profile events such as an ice-skating show in Kim Jong Un's honor at Pyongyang's Ice Rink, attended by senior officials including Kim Yo Jong. South Korea's Unification Ministry noted that the summit highlights closer coordination among North Korea, Russia, and Belarus.

According to Al Jazeera, both leaders emphasized their shared opposition to Western influence during the visit. The treaty signing was preceded by a lavish welcome ceremony featuring an artillery salute and goose-stepping soldiers before flag-waving crowds at Kim Il Sung Square. Lukashenko also paid respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where he laid a bouquet on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.