Alexander Lukashenko has begun his first official visit to North Korea to strengthen ties between the two nations, both aligned with Russia.

During the visit, he and Kim Jong Un are expected to sign a “treaty of friendship” and multiple cooperation agreements.

The move reflects growing collaboration amid North Korea’s military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and Belarus’s role in that conflict.

Analysts say North Korea is receiving aid and technology from Russia in return, strengthening its position while reducing reliance on China, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Despite some recent prisoner releases, Belarus and North Korea both continue to face international criticism over authoritarian rule and human rights abuses.