Seoul: North Korea and Belarus have conducted economic discussions in Pyongyang, anticipating "vibrant" bilateral cooperation and exchanges, as reported by state media on Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a government delegation from Belarus, led by Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko, arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday to participate in the third meeting of the intergovernmental joint committee for trade and economic cooperation between the two nations. The discussions, held on Wednesday, focused on promoting cooperation across various sectors to prepare for a bilateral protocol, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
At a banquet held on Wednesday, North Korea's Vice Premier Jong Myong-su expressed optimism about the delegation's visit, stating it would contribute to further developing friendly ties between the two countries. Jong expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation and exchanges will actively take place, according to the KCNA. Shuleiko reaffirmed the commitment to enhance cooperation and contacts between the two nations to promote the welfare of their peoples.
This meeting marks the first in 19 years that North Korea and Belarus have convened the intergovernmental joint committee for trade and economic cooperation. The last session took place in Minsk in June 2006, following the inaugural meeting in June 1995.
Belarus has shown support for Russia's war against Ukraine, and top diplomats from North Korea and Belarus held a meeting in Pyongyang in July 2024 as both nations have been strengthening military ties with Russia.
A South Korean unification ministry official noted that Belarus is one of the few countries North Korea is turning to for economic cooperation amid international sanctions. "North Korea appears to be seeking cooperation with Belarus as part of efforts to build channels with its few traditional allies amid ongoing sanctions against it," the official stated. The two countries have previously engaged in the trade of superior agricultural and livestock breeds, as well as Belarusian tractors.