Pyongyang: Belarus and North Korea have officially signed a 'friendship and cooperation' treaty during a visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to Pyongyang, where he held discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This significant agreement marks Lukashenko's inaugural official visit to the country, as confirmed by the Belarusian presidency.

According to Anadolu Agency, the treaty was finalized during talks between the two leaders in the North Korean capital. Lukashenko expressed gratitude to Kim for the invitation and highlighted the historical parallels shared by the two nations, both of which have been significantly affected by past military conflicts. He emphasized that the friendly relations, which originated during the Soviet era, have remained uninterrupted and are now advancing into 'a fundamentally new stage.'

The Belarusian president also noted the increased engagement between the two governments, citing cooperation through intergovernmental bodies and foreign ministries as evidence of the strengthening ties. The treaty, as outlined in the statement, establishes goals and principles for bilateral cooperation and sets a framework for expanding relations.

Kim Jong Un remarked that the agreement would serve as a legal foundation to ensure the stable development of relations between the two countries. Lukashenko's arrival on Wednesday at Pyongyang International Airport was marked by a warm welcome from senior North Korean officials and Belarusian representatives. His visit also included an official ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square with Kim Jong Un.