Lukashenko Gifts Kim Jong Un Rifle as Belarus and North Korea Sign Friendship Treaty

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has presented North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with a rifle during a ceremony in Pyongyang, as the two leaders formalised a new friendship treaty, according to state media reports.

The meeting saw both leaders, who are known supporters of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, commit to increased cooperation and a shared stance against Western pressure. State media from Belarus released footage of Lukashenko playfully telling Kim that he had brought an automatic rifle "just in case enemies appear." In return, Kim reportedly gifted Lukashenko a sword and a vase featuring a portrait of the Belarusian leader.

During the ceremony, Lukashenko addressed Kim, stating, “I can tell you as a friend, as a person who has already seen everything in this world: a great future awaits your country with this hardworking, disciplined people.” He further remarked that in a global climate where “the norms of international law are openly ignored and violated by powers that be,” it is imperative for nations to collaborate to safeguard sovereignty and enhance the welfare of their populations.

Lukashenko characterised the newly signed treaty as "fundamental," while Kim described it as a pact that would "further guarantee the stable development of bilateral relations," as reported by the Belarus news agency Belta. Both leaders reportedly agreed to broaden collaboration in various sectors, including agriculture, information dissemination, and public health, according to North Korea’s KCNA.

Both nations are currently subjected to extensive Western sanctions due to allegations of human rights abuses and their support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. North Korea also faces separate sanctions related to its nuclear weapons programme and is alleged to have provided military support to Russia. Western officials estimate that approximately 1,000 North Korean soldiers may have perished in the initial stages of the conflict.

In a message to Vladimir Putin earlier this week, Kim reiterated his country's support for Moscow, asserting that "Pyongyang will always be with Moscow." Concurrently, Ukraine has accused Belarus of permitting Russian forces to utilize its territory as a staging ground for attacks against Ukrainian targets.

The high-profile ceremony highlights the intensifying diplomatic alignment between two of the world's most isolated states, drawn together by shared political and military interests amidst prevailing global tensions.

Melissa Enoch