Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un exchanged unusual gifts during Lukashenko’s visit to Pyongyang, highlighting the close political ties between the two countries.
During the visit, Lukashenko presented Kim Jong Un with an assault rifle manufactured in Belarus, saying the gift was intended “in case enemies appear”.
JUST IN: 🇧🇾🇰🇵 Belarus President Lukashenko gifts Kim Jong Un an automatic rifle during his visit North Korea. pic.twitter.com/DQVxnqERTD
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In return, the North Korean leader offered Lukashenko a sword and a large decorative vase bearing the Belarusian president’s portrait.
Lukashenko praises North Korea
In remarks published on the official website of the Belarusian presidency, Lukashenko praised the North Korean leader and the country’s population.
Lukashenko received a sword and a vase with his portrait as a gift from Kim Jong Un. https://t.co/begEgUDbC7 pic.twitter.com/7elEQtl45L
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“I can tell you as a friend that your country has a bright future with such a hardworking and disciplined people,” Lukashenko said in a public statement.
“And the second thing I saw: you are capable of doing everything, and you do it better than anyone else,” he added.
Kim criticises Western pressure
Responding to Lukashenko, Kim Jong Un said the two leaders share similar positions on international issues and criticised Western countries for what he described as an interventionist approach.
“We oppose the illegal pressure exerted by the West on Belarus and express our support and understanding for the measures taken by the Belarusian leadership to ensure socio-political stability and economic development,” Kim said.
Alliance with Russia highlighted
Both Lukashenko and Kim are prominent allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Belarus and North Korea have provided logistical or military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, with North Korea reportedly sending thousands of troops.
According to Politico, Lukashenko described the peoples of Belarus and North Korea as sharing “common values”, including patriotism, the preservation of historical memory and respect for older generations.
He added that the two countries’ economies complement each other, saying “we need each other”.
The Belarusian president also stated that other countries may be dissatisfied with the growing ties between Belarus and North Korea because they are “competitors”.
Source: Politico