Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko visited North Korea this week, meeting with leader Kim Jong Un to sign a friendship and cooperation treaty between the two nations.

During the visit to Pyongyang, Lukashenko presented Kim with a rifle as a gift, according to reports. The two leaders held discussions about strengthening bilateral relations and increasing high-level cooperation and visits between their countries.

North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency reported Friday that the leaders focused on boosting cooperation during their talks. The signing of the friendship treaty formalizes closer ties between the two nations.

Both Belarus and North Korea have maintained support for Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The visit represents a strengthening of relationships among countries that have aligned themselves with Moscow's position on the war.

The meeting in Pyongyang marks a significant diplomatic engagement for both leaders, with the treaty serving as a framework for expanded cooperation between Belarus and North Korea moving forward.