Kim responded by saying that both leaders share similar positions on international issues and slammed Western countries for their interventionist mentality. “We oppose unlawful pressure on Belarus from the West and express support and understanding for measures taken by the Belarusian leadership to ensure socio-political stability and economic development,” he said.
Lukashenko and Kim are two of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent allies, and both have offered logistical or military support for the Kremlin’s all-out war in Ukraine.
Lukashenko described the Belarusian and North Korean populations as having “common values,” including patriotism, the preservation of historical memory and respect for older generations. He added that their “economies complement each other, we need each other.”
The Belarusian president also said other countries will be displeased with the North Korean-Belarusian ties, because they were “competitors.”
According to Human Rights Watch, North Korea remains one of the most repressive countries worldwide, while Belarus has a history of jailing opposition figures.