In a rare public statement, Kim Yo-jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister and influential political figure, has clarified her country’s stance on a proposed summit with Belarus. Her comments, released January 20, come after a report by Russia’s TASS news agency suggested that North Korea and other Asian nations had called for a high-level meeting to discuss cooperation with the Eastern European nation. 

Kim, who serves as the vice department director of the Workers' Party of Korea’s Central Committee, was quick to refute the report, stating, “If I comment on the report… there is no such thing, at least, as far as I know.” She went on to highlight that while Belarus has expressed interest in engaging with North Korea at the highest levels for some time, it is crucial for the Belarusian government to be “clear” about its intentions if it hopes to develop a cooperative relationship with Pyongyang, as reported by Yonhap.

This marks Kim Yo-jong's first public comment in over two months, following her remarks criticising South Korean propaganda leaflets sent across the border. Her decision to address the Belarus matter, a relatively less significant diplomatic topic compared to her usual critiques of Seoul, Washington, or Tokyo, suggests that the potential summit could have involved her brother, Kim Jong-un, and his diplomatic agenda.

Kim’s message was one of cautious openness. While she dismissed the TASS report, she acknowledged that Belarus has long sought ties with North Korea, dating back at least two years. “If Belarus wishes to develop friendly and cooperative relations with the DPRK, it is important to clarify its intentions correctly,” she added, underscoring the need for “veracity and frankness” in diplomatic engagements.

North Korea is currently exploring closer ties with Belarus, an ally of Russia, following foreign ministers’ talks in July 2024. South Korea’s unification ministry has since urged both nations to adhere to UN Security Council sanctions on North Korea, cautioning against any moves that could undermine international pressure on the North.

Kim’s comments highlight a subtle shift in Pyongyang’s diplomatic messaging, with Belarus emerging as a potential partner in North Korea’s broader strategy of strengthening ties with countries close to Russia.