Belarus’s Lukashenko makes first visit to North Korea in bid to deepen ties
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has started his first official visit to North Korea to strengthen bilateral ties, with plans to sign a treaty of friendship and about 10 agreements during the two-day visit.
- Both countries share support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and face accusations of authoritarianism and human rights violations, which has pushed them closer together politically and economically.
- North Korea has reportedly sent thousands of soldiers and military supplies to Russia, receiving financial aid and technology in return, reducing its dependence on China amid Western sanctions.
- The visit follows recent high-level interactions, including Kim Jong Un inviting Lukashenko after their meeting in Beijing and Vladimir Putin’s 2024 visit to North Korea, which resulted in a mutual defense agreement between Russia and Pyongyang.
- Both Belarus and North Korea have been criticized internationally for human rights abuses, including repression of dissent and political prisoners, with Belarus recently releasing some prisoners due to US diplomatic efforts.
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