“Kim expressed solidarity with the Belarusian leadership 'for achieving the socio-political stability and economic development of the country and defending sovereign rights in the international arena,' according to the state-run Korea Central News Agency (KCNA)”

“Lukashenko said that 'although the two countries are geographically far apart, the bilateral relations based on the long-standing traditions of friendship and common feelings have entered a new development stage.'”

“The two leaders discussed plans to increase exchanges and cooperation in a range of areas, including diplomacy, information-sharing, agriculture, education and public health”

“Lukashenko presented Kim with a VSK assault rifle and said, through an interpreter, 'If enemies invade, you can use it.'”

“Kim reciprocated with a gift of a cavalry sword in an ornate scabbard, KCNA reported”

“With both Belarus and North Korea aligned with Russia, this summit in Pyongyang will move the Minsk-Moscow-Pyongyang axis forward, said Andrei Lankov”

“Kim and Lukashenko will also use their burgeoning alliance to expand relations with countries that oppose US influence and military might on the global stage”