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North Korea and Belarus Conclude First Economic Talks in 19 Years

The high-level meeting in Pyongyang focused on drafting protocols to strengthen bilateral cooperation as both nations seek to counter sanctions and bolster ties with Russia.

A government delegation from Belarus, led by Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko (3rd from L), arrives in Pyongyang on May 6, 2025, to attend the third meeting of the intergovernmental joint committee for trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, in this photo carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko led a delegation to Pyongyang for the third intergovernmental joint committee meeting on trade and economic cooperation.
  • The talks marked the first such meeting between North Korea and Belarus since 2006, highlighting a renewed effort to deepen bilateral relations.
  • North Korean Vice Premier Jong Myong-su and Shuleiko pledged to expand cooperation across various sectors to improve the welfare of their peoples.
  • Belarus and North Korea emphasized their alignment with Russia, with Belarus maintaining support for Russia's war in Ukraine and previous trilateral military ties deepening in 2024.
  • The nations aim to diversify economic partnerships, with past exchanges including agricultural breeds and machinery, to mitigate the impact of international sanctions.