Lukashenko Rejects Criticisms of Kim Jong Un and Calls Him a “Smart Cookie”

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko described North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a “smart” and “promising” partner while highlighting growing cooperation between Minsk and Pyongyang.

According to Belarusian state news agency BELTA on June 1, speaking during a meeting with Primorsky Krai Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, Lukashenko referred to Kim Jong Un as a “smart cookie! A young man, full of promise, and focused on cooperation.”

Lukashenko said his recent visit to North Korea left a strong impression and noted that he had developed what he described as good personal relations with the North Korean leader. He also expressed support for expanding economic ties involving Belarus, Russia’s Primorsky Krai, and North Korea.

According to BELTA, Lukashenko said Kim had spoken positively about Kozhemyako, adding: “He told me a lot about you. I said: 'Then he is our man, our friend.'”

The comments follow Lukashenko’s visit to North Korea in March, when Belarus and North Korea signed a friendship and cooperation agreement. At the time, Lukashenko described the document as a foundation for a new stage in bilateral relations.

During the visit, North Korean authorities organized a ceremonial reception that included an artillery salute and a military parade. Lukashenko also visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the embalmed bodies of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are displayed.

According to BELTA, Lukashenko said Belarus and North Korea should continue developing relations without regard to external pressure and argued that the two countries share similar political approaches. Kim, in turn, expressed support for Belarus and called for a multipolar international order, according to the agency.

Earlier, Lukashenko responded to Ukrainian warnings about potential strikes in Belarus by claiming Minsk had prepared its own response. He said Belarus had “one very serious target” with known coordinates and suggested it could be targeted if tensions escalated further.

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