«Our greatest interest in the DPRK is strengthening truly friendly, partnership relations. We have friends here, and they are waiting for us. Just as we await them in Belarus. The time has come to develop relations more actively. There is a whole range of areas that are of interest to both the Belarusian and Korean sides. They are all reflected in the corresponding treaty on friendship, which will be signed by the leaders of our countries. On the basis of this treaty, we will develop interaction between ministries and agencies,» Maxim Ryzhenkov said.

According to him, overall, around 10 various agreements are planned to be signed during the visit, which will strengthen the treaty and legal framework of bilateral cooperation. «This includes the foundational treaty on friendship and nine sectoral agreements concerning cooperation in agriculture, education, healthcare, cooperation between the chambers of commerce and industry of our states, between the Academy of Sciences and local research institutions in the field of agricultural development, and cooperation between the information ministries. It is a fairly extensive body of treaty and legal framework,» the minister explained.

Maxim Ryzhenkov noted that the trade between the countries is currently modest, but there are a number of interesting areas where the countries can step up. «These include pharmacology and food supplies. Supplies from the DPRK of various cosmetic products, of the highest quality and at very affordable prices. There are also many other areas,» he added.

«We are only at the beginning of this journey. The current situation simply pushes us into each other’s arms. We are seeking friends. Our friends may be far away, but they are very loyal, reliable, and respectful friends,» the minister said.