Minsk: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has directed the establishment of an embassy in North Korea, as confirmed by the country's foreign minister. The move signifies a deepening of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov announced that Lukashenko's objectives include opening a Belarusian embassy in North Korea, reciprocating the presence of a North Korean embassy in Belarus since 2016. Ryzhenkov emphasized that this development aligns with the president's broader diplomatic goals.
Ryzhenkov also mentioned that Lukashenko has mandated the swift negotiation of a visa-free travel agreement for Belarusian citizens to North Korea. This initiative aims to foster greater bilateral cooperation, building on the recently signed Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. Key areas of potential collaboration include healthcare, education, and agriculture.
This announcement follows the signing of a "friendship treaty" during Lukashenko's inaugural visit to North Korea, where he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. During the meeting, Lukashenko stated that the relationship between Belarus and North Korea is poised to enter "a fundamentally new stage," suggesting a significant enhancement in their diplomatic and cooperative ties.