Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, presented a "rifle" as a gift to Kim Jong Un, Supreme Leader of North Korea, during his visit to Pyongyang to sign a friendship treaty opposing Western powers. The gift symbolizes their joint stance against Western influence.
Belarusian state media released images of President Lukashenko handing an automatic rifle to the North Korean leader as a gift, stating it was given "in case enemies appear." Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un reciprocated by presenting a sword and a vase adorned with Lukashenko's portrait.
This marks Lukashenko's first official visit to North Korea to sign a friendship and cooperation treaty with Kim Jong Un, aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries and jointly opposing Western interference.
Lukashenko praised North Korea's future prospects, attributing them to the diligence and discipline of its people. He added that in an era when major powers neglect and violate international law, other nations must collaborate to protect sovereignty and improve citizens' well-being. Kim Jong Un emphasized that this treaty will securely advance the development of bilateral relations.
Additionally, both parties agreed to broaden cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture, information technology, and public health, to support long-term development.
Currently, both North Korea and Belarus face Western sanctions related to human rights violations and their support for Russia's war against Ukraine.
Foreign media report that North Korea has deployed troops to assist Russia in the war, with over 1,000 North Korean soldiers reported killed in the early stages. North Korean media revealed that Kim Jong Un recently sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, stating, "North Korea will always stand by Russia."
Meanwhile, Belarus continues to face accusations from Ukraine of allowing Russia to use its territory as a base for launching attacks on Ukraine since the war began in 2022.
. . .BBC
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