North Korea and Belarus resume economic talks after 19-year hiatus

North Korea and Belarus have revived high-level economic discussions for the first time since 2006, signaling renewed interest in strengthening cooperation across key sectors.

North Korea and Belarus have resumed high-level economic negotiations for the first time in nearly two decades, according to a report released Thursday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The talks aim to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and other mutually beneficial areas.

A Belarusian government delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko, arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday to take part in the third session of the Intergovernmental Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation. The previous session of this committee was held in Minsk in June 2006.

During the meeting, North Korean Vice Premier Jong Myong-su highlighted the visit as an opportunity to solidify friendly bilateral relations. He expressed hope that cooperation and exchanges between the two countries would become increasingly dynamic and frequent.

Deputy Prime Minister Shuleiko echoed those sentiments, underlining the importance of enhancing economic collaboration to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of both nations.

This renewed round of dialogue reflects growing momentum in relations between the two countries. In July 2024, senior diplomats from North Korea and Belarus also met in Pyongyang to explore new pathways for advancing bilateral ties.

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