Trump-Kim meeting can ease security tensions on Korean Peninsula, says Belarusian envoy
The Belarusian ambassador in Seoul said the embassy has no information about a possible visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to North Korea on Wednesday.
“At this stage, the embassy has no information about the preparation of the visit of the President of the Republic of Belarus to the DPRK,” Belarusian Ambassador to Korea Andrew Chernetsky clarified in response to a question from The Korea Herald at a press briefing held after the reelection of Lukashenko, referring to the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The clarification follows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's congratulatory message to Lukashenko on his seventh term, signaling strengthened Belarus-North Korea relations, amid speculation that Lukashenko plans to visit North Korea.
Lukashenko secured a seventh consecutive term. As the first and only president of Belarus, he has held the role since 1994.
According to the embassy, presidential elections in Belarus were held on Jan. 26, 2025, with final results announced Feb. 3, 2025. The government said Lukashenko won with 86.82 percent of the vote and voter turnout was 85.7 percent.
The election was observed by over 480 representatives from 52 countries, including the Commonwealth of Independent States that mostly comprises former Soviet states and members of the Eurasian bloc known as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, according to the embassy.
“I haven't heard from our president about his intention to meet Kim Jong-un, but I know through media that Trump is going to meet Kim Jong-un in the future,” said Chernetsky.
“I am deeply convinced of the ability of the American president to positively influence the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, which has seriously deteriorated last year,” said Chernetsky, describing the diplomacy strategy of Trump as a pathway to resolving long-standing tensions.
“I think Trump will help solve some controversial questions," he added.
Asked about economic or military cooperation between Belarus and North Korea that might affect South Korea’s security, Chernetsky reiterated that the embassy had no information on such cooperation.
“Belarus does not interfere in inter-Korean dialogue but is committed to strengthening peace and mutual understanding between the North and the South.
“If South Korea is interested in cooperation with Belarus, we are always open to dialogue.”
The envoy also asserted that the division of the Koreas is not natural.
“Some countries push both Koreas to remain divided,” he underlined, urging diplomats and leaders to focus on commonalities rather than divisions.
“This world is divided into the right side — aligned with the United States — and the wrong side. The wrong side is often associated with Russia and China. But now, it is unclear where the right side and the wrong side truly are.”
Asked about the risks South Korean companies face due to Belarus' increasing economic dependence on Russia and China, he reassured that South Korean businesses' investments in Belarus remain stable.
“We are supplying Belarusian products to regions where they are in demand and competitive. This includes Latin America, Europe and Asia. Last year, Belarusian exports to Asian states, including South Korea, demonstrated growth in various sectors,” Chernetsky said.
“Excessive reliance on geopolitics can lead a company to bankruptcy,” he warned, referring to complexities faced by South Korean enterprises in balancing relations between the US and China.
“South Korean companies must determine their most advantageous course of action, whether based on market viability or geopolitical circumstances,” he said.
sanjaykumar@heraldcorp.com
