Belarusian President Lukashenko Gifts North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un an Assault Rifle

Minsk. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a rifle. State media reported that Lukashenko presented Kim with a rifle during the signing of a friendship treaty between the two countries in Pyongyang. In a state video from Belarus, Lukashenko is heard jokingly saying he brought an automatic rifle "so it can be useful if enemies appear." In response, Kim gifted him a sword and a flower vase engraved with his picture.

Both leaders are known as key supporters of Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war. During the meeting, they also agreed to counter Western pressure and expand mutual cooperation. Lukashenko emphasized the importance of the treaty, calling it fundamental, while Kim stated it would further ensure the stable development of bilateral relations. According to the Belarusian news agency BelTA, Lukashenko expressed confidence that North Korea's future would be bright.

Both countries also agreed to cooperate in various sectors including agriculture, information technology, and public health, as reported by the North Korean state news agency KCNA. Western countries have imposed strict sanctions on Belarus and North Korea, accusing them of human rights violations and supporting Russia's war. North Korea is also facing separate sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program.

Meanwhile, North Korea is also accused of sending soldiers to support Russia's war campaign. According to Western officials, about a thousand North Korean soldiers were killed in the initial months of the war. In a message sent to Vladimir Putin this week, Kim stated that Pyongyang would always stand with Moscow. Ukraine, on the other hand, has consistently accused Belarus of allowing its territory to be used for attacks.