Seoul, March 26 (NationPress) The Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, has officially welcomed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during his inaugural visit to Pyongyang, as reported by the North's state media on Thursday.

The welcoming ceremony for Lukashenko occurred at Kim Il Sung Square on Wednesday, coinciding with his arrival via a private aircraft for a two-day diplomatic engagement, following an invitation from Kim, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Both North Korea and Belarus have aligned with Russia in its ongoing military actions in Ukraine, with North Korea providing military support while Belarus has facilitated Moscow's operations from its territory.

During their discussions this week, Kim and Lukashenko are anticipated to explore avenues for cooperation across numerous sectors.

Upon Lukashenko’s arrival at the square, Kim expressed his pleasure in meeting the Belarusian leader and extended a warm welcome to his visit to North Korea, according to the KCNA.

The ceremony featured the national anthems of both nations and included a 21-gun salute. Kim guided Lukashenko in reviewing an honor guard.

In a significant gesture, Lukashenko laid a wreath at the Liberation Tower in Pyongyang, which commemorates former Soviet soldiers who, as per North Korean claims, perished during Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945. A moment of silence was observed to honor these fallen heroes.

The Belarusian leader also paid his respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum for the late leader Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il. He laid a bouquet sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by KCNA.

First Vice Premier Kim Tok-hun and Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jong-gyu received Lukashenko and his entourage at Sunan International Airport in Pyongyang.

Lukashenko's delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko and ministers of foreign affairs, public health, education, and industry.

According to the Belarusian state news agency Belta, a treaty on friendship and cooperation is planned to be signed during Lukashenko's visit.

This meeting marks the first encounter between Kim and Lukashenko since their previous meeting in September 2025 in Beijing, where Kim invited Lukashenko to visit North Korea, as reported by Yonhap.

Belarus is one of the limited nations with which North Korea seeks economic partnerships despite UN sanctions related to its nuclear and missile initiatives.

Diplomatic relations between North Korea and Belarus were officially established in 1992, and since 1995, they have maintained a joint trade and economic cooperation committee.

This committee, which had been inactive for some time, was revitalized in May of the previous year. North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui visited Belarus last October for a regional security conference.

North Korea has an embassy in Belarus; however, Belarus does not maintain an embassy in North Korea.