Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko arrived at Pyongyang's airport on 25/3, commencing his first official visit to North Korea as both nations strengthen their alliance and partnership with Russia.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later hosted a reception for the Belarus president at Kim Il Sung Square. Images released by state news agency KCNA showed the two leaders greeting each other, with Lukashenko placing a hand on Kim's back as they both smiled, while citizens behind them waved flags of both nations.

During the reception, the two leaders participated in a flag ceremony. North Korea fired a 21-gun salute to welcome the Belarus president, a solemn diplomatic reception ritual. Kim and Lukashenko then observed a parade by the North Korean military honor guard.

Reception for Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko in Pyongyang on 25/3. Video: Euro News.

Lukashenko also visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum for Kim Jong-un's grandfather and father. The Belarus leader also laid a wreath there on behalf of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

According to Belarus state news agency Belta, bilateral relations between North Korea and Belarus are on the agenda for discussions between the two leaders.

Belarusian foreign minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, who visited North Korea in 2024, stated that the two countries would sign a treaty of friendship and cooperation during president Lukashenko's visit.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (left) and Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko at the official reception in Pyongyang on 25/3. Photo: AP.

The most recent meeting between Lukashenko and Kim Jong-un occurred in Beijing in 9/2025, where the Belarus president was invited to visit North Korea.

Huyen Le (AP, AFP)