Belarus and North Korea Forge New Alliance with "Fundamental" Treaty

Presidents Alexander Lukashenko and Kim Jong Un sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement, signalling intensified ties amidst a shifting global landscape.

Deepening Diplomatic Engagement

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un convened in Pyongyang on Thursday for official talks that culminated in the signing of a significant friendship and cooperation treaty. The agreement marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship between the two nations, which both leaders described as entering a new, intensified phase.

During his two-day official visit to North Korea's capital, President Lukashenko characterized the newly signed document as "fundamental," underscoring its importance for future interactions between Belarus and North Korea. According to his press service, Lukashenko expressed sincere pleasure regarding the recent surge in cooperation, acknowledging that past engagement had been less robust. "Yes, we didn’t have close cooperation, largely due to our own fault. But I am sincerely pleased to note that cooperation has now significantly intensified," Lukashenko stated. This admission highlights a deliberate effort by both sides to overcome previous limitations and forge stronger links.

A Call for Independent Cooperation

The Belarusian President framed the newfound camaraderie within the broader context of a changing global order. He asserted that in the "today’s reality of a global transformation, when the global powers openly ignore and violate international law," it is imperative for independent nations to bolster their collaboration. Lukashenko emphasized the need to "cooperate more closely, consolidate efforts aimed at protecting their sovereignty and improving the well-being of our citizens." This statement suggests a shared perception of global challenges and a mutual desire to strengthen their positions on the international stage.

In response, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un conveyed "solidarity and full support" for Belarus, as quoted by Lukashenko's press service. Kim also vocalized opposition to what he termed "unlawful pressure on Belarus from the West." This reciprocal endorsement underscores a mutual grievance against perceived Western influence and sanctions, further solidifying the narrative of shared interests and challenges. The exchange between the two leaders reflects a common geopolitical outlook, particularly concerning international relations and the sovereignty of states.

Strategic Alignments in a Multipolar World

The forging of this new alliance between Belarus and North Korea unfolds against a backdrop of complex international relations, where both nations have increasingly aligned their foreign policies with Moscow. Belarus maintains a close strategic partnership with Russia, a relationship that has deepened significantly in recent years. President Lukashenko notably permitted Russia to utilize Belarusian territory as a staging ground for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022. Furthermore, Belarus later authorized the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons within its borders, a move that drew considerable international condemnation.

Similarly, North Korea, under Kim Jong Un, has demonstrably tilted its foreign policy towards Russia. Pyongyang has provided substantial support to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts in Ukraine, reportedly dispatching thousands of troops and large quantities of weapons. North Korea has actively positioned itself as part of a united front alongside Moscow against Washington, framing its actions as a resistance to Western hegemony. This alignment of Belarus and North Korea with Russia signals a growing bloc of nations seeking to challenge the existing global order and pursue closer cooperation amongst themselves. The two leaders previously met in September 2025 in Beijing, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement between the nations prior to this latest treaty.

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