Shortly after arriving in Pyongyang, Lukashenko visited Kumsusan Palace, paying tribute to the deceased leaders of North Korea, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, the BelTA news agency reported. The symbolic gesture emphasizes the importance of the visit and the desire to build lasting relations between the countries.
The head of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maksim Ryzhankou, explained the reasons for strengthening cooperation between Belarus and North Korea. — The current situation is simply pushing us into each other's arms. We are looking for friends. Our friends may be far away, but they are very loyal, reliable and respectful, the minister said.
Alexander Lukashenko with Kim Jong Un. First such visit
The leaders of both countries are to sign a treaty of friendship and cooperation. Lukashenko and Kim will also define key areas of common economic interests during their two-day visit. Minsk and Pyongyang, which are close allies of Moscow, are seeking closer cooperation in the face of isolation in the international arena.
Both countries are to conclude approximately 10 sectoral agreements. These will include agriculture, education and the mutual supply of goods such as food and cosmetics. Belarus also declared its readiness to implement trilateral projects with the participation of Russia or China.
The visit is another stage in the rapprochement of the two regimes. Lukashenko and Kim previously met in September 2025 in Beijing. In an interview given late last year, the Belarusian leader complimented the North Korean leader, calling him a decent and honest man with whom you can do business.
Trade between countries was previously almost non-existent. In 2021, its value was several thousand dollars. Currently, Belarus and North Korea are experiencing a sharp increase in activity. Thanks to large shipments of meat and food products carried out at the end of 2025, turnover increased to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is to constitute the foundation for further expansion of Belarusian medicines and food in exchange for Korean cosmetics.
The historical relations between the two countries date back to 1984, when Kim Il-sung visited the then Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic.
