Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a friendship and cooperation treaty in Pyongyang on March 26 during Lukashenko's first-ever visit to the reclusive state, cementing ties between two of Russia's closest allies.

Lukashenko, who arrived on March 25 for a two-day visit, described the document as "fundamental" and said relations between the two countries were entering a "new stage," BelTA reported.

"Yes, we didn't have close cooperation, largely due to our own fault. But I am sincerely pleased to note that cooperation has now significantly intensified," Lukashenko said.

Kim expressed "solidarity and full support" for Belarus and spoke out against what he called unlawful western pressure on Minsk. The two leaders also signed agreements covering education, culture, healthcare, agriculture, information and sports.

Lukashenko visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the embalmed bodies of Kim's father and grandfather lie in state, and laid a bouquet on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a notable exchange of gifts, Lukashenko presented Kim with a VSK-type assault rifle, joking that the North Korean leader might need it "in case enemies appear." Kim gave traditional vases and commemorative coins in return.

Both countries have backed Russia's war in Ukraine. North Korea has sent thousands of troops and large quantities of weapons to support Moscow, with an estimated 2,000 North Korean soldiers reported killed.

Belarus served as a launchpad for Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and later agreed to host Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory.

The visit came days after Lukashenko met a US envoy and released 250 prisoners, including a Nobel Peace Prize winner, under US pressure.

Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov said potential trade could include Belarusian pharmaceutical products and food going to North Korea, with North Korean cosmetics flowing in the other direction.