Belarus and North Korea to strengthen relationship

Despite the protests against Lukashenko that have been going on for weeks since his disputed re-election, the leader is still at work. According to a report from Korean Radio (Russian), Lukashenko met with North Korean Ambassador Ju Jong Bong on November 3rd 2020. During their meeting Lukashenko said:

“We have an unjustifiably low level of relations, we need to work more actively in this direction. We are closely following the development of the situation on the Korean Peninsula, we support all efforts being made to ensure peace and resolve existing contradictions in the region as a whole. We are interested in continuing constructive contacts in international organizations. We ask the new head of the diplomatic mission to pay attention to such areas of cooperation as the production of medicines and food products, vocational training and advanced training.”

This suggests more trade between the two states, and perhaps more North Koreans going to Belarus for education.

North Korea and Belarus have had diplomatic relations since 1992. The North Korean embassy in Minsk opened in 2016. Belarus has an embassy in Hangyong-namdo. Kim Il Sung visited Minsk in 1984, during which time he went to the Minsk Tractor Works and Brest Fortress.