Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has welcomed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Pyongyang, marking the Belarusian leader's first official visit to North Korea, according to the North's state media Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, a formal ceremony took place at Kim Il Sung Square on Wednesday to welcome Lukashenko, who arrived via his private plane for a two-day visit at the invitation of Kim Jong-un. Both North Korea and Belarus have supported Russia in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Pyongyang has provided troops and weapons, while Minsk has allowed Moscow the use of its territory.

During this week's discussions, Kim and Lukashenko are expected to explore avenues for cooperation in several fields. Upon Lukashenko's arrival, Kim warmly greeted him, with national anthems and a 21-gun salute marking the occasion. Guided by Kim, Lukashenko reviewed an honor guard and laid a wreath at the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang to honor former Soviet Union soldiers.

Lukashenko paid tribute at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where he laid a bouquet sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit underscores the deepening ties between North Korea and Belarus, as both nations plan to sign a treaty on friendship and cooperation during Lukashenko's trip, as reported by the Belarusian state news agency Belta.

Kim and Lukashenko last met in September 2025 in Beijing during China's military parade. The visit further strengthens Belarus's role as one of the few countries seeking economic cooperation with North Korea, despite U.N. sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.

Diplomatic relations between North Korea and Belarus were formally established in 1992, with a joint trade and economic cooperation committee operational since 1995. The committee was reactivated last year, and North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui visited Belarus for a regional security meeting in October. While North Korea maintains an embassy in Belarus, Belarus does not operate an embassy in North Korea.