Lukashenko Gifts Rifle to Kim Jong Un as Belarus and North Korea Sign Friendship Treaty
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko presented North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with a rifle during the signing of a friendship treaty in Pyongyang, according to state media reports.
The leaders, both vocal supporters of Russia’s war in Ukraine, pledged to strengthen cooperation and resist Western pressure.
In a lighthearted moment, Lukashenko told Kim that he brought an automatic rifle «just in case enemies appear», a video released by Belarusian state media shows. Kim, in turn, gifted Lukashenko a sword and a vase adorned with his portrait.
Lukashenko told Kim:
«I can tell you as a friend, as someone who has already seen everything in this world: a great future awaits your country with this hardworking, disciplined people,» according to Belarus news agency Belta.
He added that, amid violations of international law by global powers, nations must work together to protect sovereignty and improve citizens’ well-being.
The Belarusian leader described the treaty as fundamental, while Kim said it would «further guarantee the stable development of bilateral relations». The two countries agreed to co-operate across sectors including agriculture, information, and public health, KCNA reported.
Both Belarus and North Korea are heavily sanctioned by the West for alleged human rights abuses and support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, while North Korea faces separate sanctions for its nuclear programme. Pyongyang has supplied soldiers to Moscow’s campaign, with Western officials estimating around 1,000 North Korean troops died in the early months of the conflict.
Earlier this week, Kim reaffirmed his support for Russia, stating «Pyongyang will always be with Moscow», according to KCNA. Ukraine has accused Russia of using Belarusian territory to launch attacks on Ukrainian targets.
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