North Korea and Belarus’s strongmen leaders signed a “friendship and cooperation” treaty on Thursday (March 26, 2026) after Kim Jong Un gave a lavish welcome to President Alexander Lukashenko on his maiden visit. Earlier, Belta showed Mr. Kim and Mr. Lukashenko hugging at a lavish welcome programme on Wednesday (March 25, 2026) at the start of the two-day visit involving an artillery salute and goose-stepping soldiers before a large flag-waving crowd. Russia and North Korea signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2024 that obliges either side to provide “military and other assistance” should the other be attacked. Analysts say North Korea is receiving financial aid, military technology, food and energy supplies from Russia, helping Pyongyang reduce its reliance on its long-time backer China. Trade between the two countries is “modest”, but areas for growth include Belarus exporting pharmaceutical products and food to North Korea, Mr. Ryzhenkov said.

Source: The Hindu March 26, 2026 12:11 UTC