Talks with Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kim Jong Un

The relations between Belarus and the DPRK are transitioning to a fundamentally new stage as a result of comprehensive progressive development, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during negotiations with Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on 26 March.

The Belarusian head of state first and foremost thanked the leader of the DPRK for the invitation to visit the country and for the warm welcome, particularly noting that this was his first visit to the DPRK. The President also drew attention to a certain historical similarity between Minsk and Pyongyang, both of which were heavily destroyed, practically wiped from the face of the earth as a result of military actions, and then underwent massive efforts to rebuild these cities.

"I can tell you as a friend, as a person who has already seen everything in this world: a great future awaits your country with this hardworking, disciplined people. The second thing I have observed: you know how to produce everything, and you do it like no one else," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state noted that, despite the geographical distance, the Belarusian and Korean peoples share common values: patriotism, the preservation of historical memory, and deep respect for the older generation.

"The friendly relations between our states, which originated back in the days of the Soviet Union, have never been interrupted. Today, as a result of comprehensive progressive development, we are transitioning to a fundamentally new stage. Belatedly, but nevertheless, we are transitioning to a new stage," the President emphasized. 'Yes, we did not have close cooperation, largely our fault. But I am sincerely glad to see that our interaction has now significantly intensified." Among other things, the intergovernmental commission headed by the two countries' deputy prime ministers has resumed its work, and their foreign ministries are collaborating productively.

During the current negotiations, another important step has been taken in expanding the bilateral treaty and legal framework as the parties signed a treaty on friendship and cooperation has. The Belarusian President, speaking about the importance of this document, drew attention to its fundamental nature. After all, it clearly and openly sets out the goals and principles of bilateral interaction, and defines the institutional framework for future mutually beneficial processes.

"In the current realities of global transformation, when the norms of international law are openly ignored and violated by the powers that be, independent countries need to interact more closely and consolidate efforts aimed at protecting their sovereignty and improving the well-being of our citizens," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

According to him, Belarus, like the DPRK, advocates for a multipolar world based on mutual respect for the principles of equality among states, non-interference in internal affairs, and consideration of each other's interests.

"I, like you, am a proponent of developing our relations without looking back at other countries, which, of course, will not be thrilled about our relations. Because they are competitors," the Belarusian head of state said addressing Kim Jong Un.

"Our economies are complementary; we need each other, so let us move in this direction. We will draw conclusions from the past, from our mistakes. We will do everything to ensure that relations between the DPRK and Belarus are exemplary," the Belarusian leader emphasized.