Putin’s allies mark a ‘fundamentally new stage’ in bilateral relations with a friendship treaty during Pyongyang meeting. Published On 26 Mar 202626 Mar 2026North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have signed a friendship treaty aimed at deepening ties.Both are close allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listThe treaty was signed on Thursday during Lukashenko’s two-day trip to Pyongyang. He told Kim that relations between their countries were entering a “fundamentally new stage”, the Belarusian state news agency Belta reported.“In today’s reality of a global transformation when the global powers openly ignore and violate international law, independent countries need to cooperate more closely, consolidate efforts aimed at protecting their sovereignty and improving the wellbeing of our citizens,” he said.Belta quoted Kim as saying their two countries shared positions on many issues and “we oppose undue pressure on Belarus from the West.”The North Korean leader laid on a lavish welcome for Lukashenko as he kicked off his visit on Wednesday, including a white-horsed cavalry, flag-waving children and a 21-cannon salute. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pays his respects to the late leaders of North Korea, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, during a visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang on March 25, 2026 [Handout//Belarusian Presidential Press Service via EPA]Both nations have backed Russia’s war in Ukraine.Kim has reportedly provided Moscow with ammunition and sent soldiers to help Russia expel Ukrainian forces from its western region of Kursk in 2024.Lukashenko allowed Belarus to be used as a launchpad for Russia’s invasion in February 2022 and has agreed to allow Russian tactical nuclear missiles on i …
