Minsk: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has expressed his readiness to visit Pyongyang, North Korea, as part of a congratulatory message sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the occasion of the country's founding anniversary. Lukashenko's message emphasized his willingness to visit at the earliest convenient time, aiming to strengthen the bilateral ties between Belarus and North Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lukashenko's message follows an invitation from Kim Jong-un during their brief meeting in Beijing last week. The meeting occurred ahead of China's military parade, where the North Korean leader extended an invitation for Lukashenko to visit Pyongyang.

On Tuesday, North Korea celebrated the 77th anniversary of its founding, which took place on September 9, 1948. The anniversary marks the establishment of the country by the current leader's grandfather, Kim Il-sung, in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula following its division.

Lukashenko also expressed his hopes for increased cooperation between Belarus and North Korea. He highlighted that such collaboration could be mutually beneficial, enhancing mutual trust and understanding between the two nations.