Belarus and North Korea are expected to sign a treaty of friendship as their leaders meet in Pyongyang.

What is happening in Pyongyang

Alexander Lukashenko has arrived in North Korea on his first official visit. State media in Minsk say the two-day trip is meant to "identify key areas of mutual interest and the most promising projects for implementation." The Belarusian leader was quoted as saying "the time has come to step up relations."

Agreements on the table

Officials say a formal "treaty of friendship" is planned, along with roughly 10 other agreements covering political and economic cooperation. The meeting follows a September encounter between Lukashenko and Kim Jong Un in Beijing, where Kim reportedly extended the invitation to host the Belarusian president.

Why this matters

Both capitals share support for Russia in its war in Ukraine and face accusations of authoritarianism and rights abuses. Strengthening ties helps each reduce dependence on traditional partners and creates new political and economic channels.

Military and economic links with Russia

  • Western and South Korean intelligence agencies estimate North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to fight in Russia, primarily in the Kursk region.
  • Pyongyang is also reported to have supplied artillery shells, missiles and rocket systems to Russia.
  • Analysts say North Korea receives financial aid, military technology, food and energy supplies from Russia in return, which reduces its reliance on China.
  • Russia’s president visited North Korea in 2024 for the first time in 24 years and later that year the two countries signed a mutual defence agreement obliging military assistance if one is attacked.

Human rights and repression

International rights organisations accuse North Korea of torture, public executions, prison camps, forced labour and severe limits on freedom of expression and movement. Belarus is routinely criticized for cracking down on dissent over the three decades Lukashenko has been in power, and many protesters and opponents remain behind bars.

Recent prisoner developments in Belarus

Minsk has released dozens of prisoners in recent months, including about 250 earlier this month, actions that officials say were influenced by US diplomatic pressure. Still, hundreds of political prisoners remain detained, many arrested after the disputed 2020 election.

Broader international context

Belarus has moved closer to Russia since 2022 and served as a staging area for parts of the invasion of Ukraine. The growing relationship with North Korea fits into a wider pattern of Moscow strengthening ties with sympathetic partners.

Meanwhile, the United States has shown interest in engaging with Belarus under its current administration, including sanction easing and diplomatic outreach. There has also been speculation about high level meetings involving other leaders previously engaged with Pyongyang.

This visit underlines a clear priority for both Minsk and Pyongyang: consolidate allies and expand avenues for economic and military cooperation while navigating international pressure.