Belarus and North Korea are tightening relations

Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for over 30 years, will spend two days in North Korea. The signing of a treaty on friendship and cooperation between the two nations is planned. Around ten sectoral agreements are expected to be concluded, covering, among others, agriculture, education, and mutual deliveries of goods such as food and cosmetics.

“The current situation simply pushes us into each other’s arms. We are looking for friends. Our friends may be far away, but they are very loyal, reliable, and respectful,” said Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov. The parties will discuss key areas of shared economic interest. Both countries are under Western sanctions and are seeking ways to find partners amid international isolation.

Both nations support Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Belarus provides its territory, while the DPRK supplies Russia with ammunition and manpower. The leaders previously met in September 2025 in Beijing. At that time, Lukashenko described Kim Jong Un as “a decent and honest man with whom one can do business.”

Historically, trade between the two countries has been virtually nonexistent. The strengthening of Belarus–North Korea cooperation stems from two main reasons. The first, as already mentioned, is the isolation of both states by the West and their need to seek new partners on the international stage. The second reason is North Korea’s earlier deepening of ties with the Russian Federation, which opened the door for Lukashenko to pursue new international partnerships.