North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenka in Pyongyang on 26/3. Following their summit, the two leaders signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation and exchanged gifts.
President Lukashenka presented the North Korean leader with gifts reflecting Belarusian identity, including a Slutsk belt, chocolates, vodka, and a VSK assault rifle.
Kim showed particular interest in the rifle. He held the weapon, simulated aiming, pulled the bolt, and squeezed the trigger. He then returned the rifle to its place, smiling and saying, "Thank you".
"You are very skilled with weapons. If an enemy invades, you can use this rifle," the Belarusian president said, prompting Kim to laugh.
The VSK-100 assault rifle is a Belarusian-developed weapon slated for mass production later this year. This initiative aims to enhance the country's self-sufficiency in weaponry and modernize its military.
President Lukashenka also highlighted his country's arms production capabilities, stating that "soldiers always need personal weapons" and "Belarus possesses a well-established system for producing small arms and ammunition domestically."
The Belarusian president also presented a gift to Kim Ju Ae, Kim's daughter. "This is a gift for your daughter, a brooch," President Lukashenka said, holding an oval jewelry box.
"Oh, thank you," Kim replied.
"And this is for your wife," the Belarusian president continued, presenting North Korean First Lady Ri Sol Ju with a gilded flower symbolizing Belarus.
In return, Kim gifted the Belarusian president an elaborately carved sword, a commemorative gold coin, and a vase bearing Lukashenka's portrait. This marks the first visit by a Belarusian head of state to North Korea.
Hong Hanh (According to Chosun)
