North Korea and Belarus's strongmen leaders signed a "friendship and cooperation" treaty on Thursday after Kim Jong Un gave a lavish welcome to President Alexander Lukashenko on his maiden visit. North Korea's state news agency confirmed in a report on Friday the leaders had signed the treaty. Russia and North Korea signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2024 that obliges either side to provide "military and other assistance" should the other be attacked. Analysts say North Korea is receiving financial aid, military technology, food and energy supplies from Russia, helping Pyongyang reduce its reliance on its long-time backer China. Trade between the two countries is "modest", but areas for growth include Belarus exporting pharmaceutical products and food to North Korea, Ryzhenkov said.

Source: The Standard March 27, 2026 17:19 UTC