Lukashenko Visits North Korea for Talks with Kim Jong Un, Deepening Russia-Aligned Ties
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko made his first official visit to North Korea, where he was received by Kim Jong Un with a lavish ceremony including a 21-gun salute on Kim Il-sung Square. The visit deepens diplomatic and military ties among nations aligned with Russia, all of which face significant Western sanctions.
Key Facts
- 1Lukashenko made his first official visit to North Korea, received by Kim Jong Un with a 21-gun salute at Kim Il-sung Square
- 2Both Belarus and North Korea have supported Russia's war in Ukraine and face significant Western sanctions
- 3Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said Lukashenko is 'not an independent actor' and remains dependent on Russia
- 4Both leaders face continued Western criticism over their ties to Russia
- 5The summit comes amid wider concerns about an emerging bloc of authoritarian-aligned states
Coverage
Reported by France24, AP News, DW, and South China Morning Post, reflecting international attention to the geopolitics of authoritarian alignments.
Sources (5)
Lukashenko greeted by Kim Jong-un on Belarus leader’s first visit to North Korea
South China Morning Post · 11h ago
Lukashenko greeted by Kim Jong Un on first visit to North Korea
France24 · 12h ago
Lukashenko 'not an independent actor’: opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya on why Belarus needs Russia
France24 · 16h ago
North Korea holds lavish welcome for Belarus president
DW · 21h ago
Belarusian President Lukashenko arrives in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un
AP News · 1d ago