Belarus and North Korea Strengthen Cooperation

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has expressed intentions to enhance cooperation with North Korea, following a congratulatory message from Pyongyang on Belarus's National Day. This development comes amidst a backdrop of increased diplomatic ties between Belarus and North Korea, both of which are closely aligned with Russia, particularly after its invasion of Ukraine. A Belarusian delegation led by Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov is currently in North Korea, engaging in discussions about bilateral cooperation in education, healthcare, and agriculture. Ryzhenkov's visit is significant as he is the first Belarusian foreign minister to visit North Korea since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. The two foreign ministers have noted a strong understanding on key global issues and are exploring food security and trade, particularly in agriculture and cosmetics. This collaboration may indicate a shift towards a multi-national alliance against Western influence, especially the United States.