Belta

Belta is the state-owned news agency of Belarus. It is newsworthy because it is the source of information regarding Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's recent state visit to North Korea, his first. Belta reported on the signing of a "friendship and cooperation" treaty between Belarus and North Korea, and Lukashenko's gift of a rifle to Kim Jong Un. This visit and the treaty are significant due to both nations' support of Russia's war in Ukraine, their status as international pariahs facing Western sanctions, and accusations of human rights violations. Belta's reporting provides insight into the strengthening ties between these isolated states.