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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has sent a formal letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, urging the expansion of bilateral relations between Minsk and Pyongyang. The communication, made public by the Belarusian government on Thursday, emphasizes Lukashenko’s commitment to deepening ties amid growing international tensions.
In his letter, Lukashenko praised North Korea’s resilience and sovereignty, expressing a desire for closer economic, political, and diplomatic cooperation. The letter outlines proposals for increased trade, joint ventures, and mutual support in international forums. Lukashenko highlighted the strategic importance of stronger Belarus-North Korea relations in the context of shifting global alliances and pressures from Western countries.
This outreach comes as Belarus faces heightened isolation from Western nations due to its support for Russia and its controversial domestic policies. Lukashenko’s overture to Pyongyang is seen as an effort to diversify Belarus’ diplomatic partnerships and secure economic opportunities in the face of Western sanctions.
North Korea has yet to officially respond to the letter. However, the North Korean state media has acknowledged receiving the correspondence, suggesting that Kim Jong-un may be open to considering the proposed partnership. The potential for collaboration between the two countries includes areas such as infrastructure development, technology exchange, and possibly military cooperation, though specifics remain unclear.