Lukashenko Gifts Automatic Rifle to Kim Jong Un
President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, made an official visit to Pyongyang to meet North Korea’s Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un. In the warm meeting, the two leaders strengthened their alliance through the signing of a friendship agreement and the exchange of unique symbolic gifts.
Lukashenko specifically gifted Kim Jong Un an automatic rifle. In a video released by Belarusian state media, Lukashenko jokingly remarked while handing over the weapon that it was given “just in case enemies appear.”
In response, Kim Jong Un presented a sword and a vase adorned with Lukashenko’s portrait. This exchange underscores the closeness of the two countries, both currently under Western sanctions.
During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to increase cooperation in various sectors, from agriculture and information to public health. Lukashenko praised the discipline of the North Korean people and is confident in a bright future for the country.
“I can tell you as a friend, as someone who has seen everything in this world: a bright future awaits your country with this hardworking and disciplined people,” said Lukashenko, as quoted by the Belta news agency.
Lukashenko also emphasised the importance of cooperation among sovereign countries amid an uncertain global situation. According to him, international legal norms are often ignored by major world powers. Therefore, countries need to unite to protect sovereignty and improve the welfare of their citizens.
This visit has significant geopolitical implications, considering that Belarus and North Korea are major supporters of Russia in the war in Ukraine. North Korea has reportedly supported Moscow’s military campaign, including the dispatch of personnel. Western officials even estimate that around 1,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in the early months of the conflict.
On the other hand, Ukraine has accused Russia of using Belarusian territory as a base to launch attacks on their regions. Kim Jong Un’s unconditional support for Moscow was also reaffirmed in his message to Vladimir Putin this week, stating that “Pyongyang will always stand with Moscow.”
The newly signed friendship agreement was described by Kim Jong Un as a guarantee for the stability of bilateral relations between the two countries in the future. For both, this alliance is not merely formal diplomacy, but a form of collective resistance against international isolation.