Russia's ally gifts assault weapon as Kim Jong Un signs friendship pact with Belarusian leader
On March 26 during a historic state visit by President Alexander Lukashenko, the head of Belarus presented North Korean dictator Kim Jung-un with an AK-47-style rifle to symbolize their new "friendship treaty." The two leaders inked this bilateral agreement while exchanging gifts that included currency and other items at a summit in Pyongyang. This gesture underscores deepening strategic ties between Moscow's ally Lukashenko, who is often viewed as Putin's closest partner on the ground, and Kim Jong-un following his first-ever trip to North Korea since taking power over two decades ago.
Key Points
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1Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko gifted an assault gun (rifle) and a coin as presents during his first-ever visit to North Korea.
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2The two leaders, both facing international sanctions due to their support for Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Ukraine war, signed a new 'friendship treaty' at this summit.
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3Lukashenko stated that he gave the gift of an assault gun and coin just in case enemies appear during his stay.
Developments
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko signed a friendship treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and gifted him an automatic rifle. The summit highlighted close cooperation between these sanctioned allies, who have provided crucial military support to Russia during its war against Ukraine while Belarus also attempted diplomatic normalization relations with the United States following recent prisoner releases for sanctions relief.