Diplomacy Journal David Kendall 기자 | In an exclusive interview conducted online between April 9 and April 15, 2026, and supplemented by an in-person meeting at the Embassy of Belarus on April 22, H.E. Mr. Andrew Chernetsky, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Korea, speaks candidly about bilateral trade, Korean economic strategy, peninsula security, the Eurasian Charter, and the state of Belarus–South Korea government dialogue.
BILATERAL RELATIONS
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held a summit in Pyongyang with DPRK Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on March 25–26 this year. What does this signal about the direction of Belarus–North Korea relations?
As the head of the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Belarus in the Republic of Korea, I am responsible for the development of Belarusian–South Korean relations and am authorized to comment on any aspect of them. I cannot assess the relations of the Republic of Belarus with third countries that are not within my diplomatic jurisdiction.
I apologize for posing a question outside of your diplomatic jurisdiction. That said, fewer than 20 countries maintain fully operational embassies in both Seoul and Pyongyang. Middle-powers are now seeking to cooperate among themselves, independent of any major global power. Could countries like Germany, Sweden, and now Belarus — with embassies in both Korean capitals — be uniquely qualified to help reduce tension on the Peninsula?
I am grateful for your objective understanding of the need for bilateral contacts between all states in this complicated period of restructuring the world order. The desire for dialogue and mutual understanding are the only things that can help the world avoid disaster. The same applies to the first visit in the history of the two states by the Head of the Republic of Belarus to the DPRK.
President A.G. Lukashenko wanted to see with his own eyes how this country lives and develops. The basic principle of Belarusian foreign policy was clearly voiced by our Minister of Foreign Affairs, M.V. Ryzhenkov: "When building contacts with foreign partners, we never make friends against a third party." For Belarus, the priority is to establish trade and economic cooperation. During the negotiations, issues of bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food supplies, healthcare, and other humanitarian areas were discussed. The Republic of Belarus is a responsible member of the international community and is aware of the international legal context, including existing resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
In the April 22, 2026, interview at the Embassy of Belarus in Seoul, the Ambassador elaborated:
"Our president is ready to come to South Korea, provided he is invited. If South Korea invites our president, prime minister, or foreign minister, he could come. But for almost five years I have been requesting working consultations with the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs — at even the deputy foreign minister level — and I have been told: 'Our political situation is not very favorable for dialogue with Belarus'."
"North Korea does not tell us such things. Even the United States does not tell us such things. In the last year alone, three or four American delegations came to Belarus. Perhaps South Korea believes we have no common points for discussion. It is their position. When South Korea is ready for dialogue, we are also ready — anytime."
You have spoken of Belarus hosting talks between Russia and Ukraine. Do you see any possibility of Belarus playing the role of facilitator between the Republic of Korea and North Korea?
In 2014–2015, Belarus provided a platform for negotiations between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, when the Minsk-1 and Minsk-2 agreements were concluded. In 2014–2019, more than 120 meetings of the Trilateral Contact Group were held in Minsk. Immediately after February 2022, three rounds of Russian–Ukrainian peace talks were held in Belarus. Since the beginning of the conflict, all prisoner of war exchanges between Russia and Ukraine are carried out on Belarusian territory. The Republic of Belarus has never been and does not seek to be an intermediary, but reaffirms its readiness to provide conditions for further negotiations — subject to the desire and readiness of all parties involved.
TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS
In a July 2025 interview with the Korea Herald, you mentioned that Belarusian exports to South Korea had grown 2.6-fold in recent years. Do you still see promising growth, and if so, in what sectors?
The development of bilateral trade is one of the main tasks for our diplomatic mission. I am pleased to note the continuing growth of Belarusian–Korean trade turnover. The Republic of Belarus has gained a reputation as a reliable supplier of fertilizers, high-quality and affordable food products, and has certain potential for the production of alternative fuels. The products of the Belarusian petrochemical industry are widely known. In all these areas, Belarusian enterprises fruitfully interact with Korean partners.
The current closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global fertilizer supply chains and raised prices sharply across Asia. Does Belarus see the disruption as an opportunity to deepen agricultural trade with South Korea, and what routes are being used?
The Republic of Belarus is one of the leaders in the supply of potash fertilizers. We note the Trump administration's lifting of restrictions on Belarusian exporters of potash fertilizers — a very timely action in the fight against hunger that will help ensure global food security. Belarusian potash fertilizers have been supplied to the Republic of Korea. Given the country's relatively small area of farmland, the volume of fertilizer imports into Korea is small compared to other markets, but we are interested in expanding supply. Currently, one of the fastest and most cost-effective transit routes to Korea is rail delivery to the port of Vladivostok followed by a ferry route to Busan. Also promising for South Korean business is President Lee Jae-myung's initiative to utilize the Northern Sea Route.
Do you see any pathway toward a reduction of South Korean sanctions and a normalization of trade?
I do not see the need to "normalize" Belarusian–South Korean trade — this process is already happening normally, based on the mutual pragmatic interest of companies and businesspeople. As for sanctions and trade restrictions, such policy only leads to a deterioration in terms of trade — very often for those countries that introduce the restrictions themselves. South Korea's easing of restrictions in the field of medical equipment last year played a positive role in intensifying bilateral supplies. Further steps in this direction will certainly help the Korean economy find additional ways to address its current challenges.
The easing of medical equipment restrictions has contributed to growing interest among Belarusian medical industry representatives in South Korean dental equipment, diagnostic and rehabilitation equipment. A number of South Korean companies have begun certification procedures in Belarus. I would also note that medical tourism in Belarus is growing — we offer a wide range of services, from dentistry to oncology, cardiology, ophthalmology, organ transplantation, and IVF, with patients from China, the United States, and beyond.
Among other sectors that may interest South Korean companies: agricultural processing, green technologies, non-traditional fuels, and petrochemical products. More specifically, I have long promoted the idea of Korean small and medium-sized businesses establishing production facilities in Belarus for processing agricultural products and timber — reducing costs for raw materials, energy, and labor, with duty-free access to the EAEU market. The Chinese automotive giant GEELY built a plant in Belarus in 2014; under the BELGEE brand, its products are now among the top five best-selling passenger cars in the Russian market.
REGIONAL AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS
Has your assessment of President Trump's ability to influence the security situation on the Korean Peninsula changed given the ongoing demands of the Middle East conflict?
Security issues largely depend on the ability of neighboring states to respect each other's political systems and their willingness to compromise. The first step toward improving the security situation on the Korean Peninsula is recognition of the existing status quo and rejection of the counterproductive policy of economic coercion and sanctions pressure. In recent statements by leading politicians of the DPRK and the ROK, words of mutual respect and understanding have been heard, and this is very encouraging. As for the President of the United States, he, like any other head of state, has many urgent issues. He determines their priority himself.
In the April 22, 2026, interview at the Embassy of Belarus in Seoul, the Ambassador elaborated:
"Interest in economic cooperation can be used to solve security problems. When Russia is interested in developing economic cooperation with South Korea, it will act as a deterrent to North Korean aggression. If there are no economic relations between Russia and South Korea, the deterrent factor will not work. The same applies to China. The security of South Korea largely depends on how interested China is in economic partnership with South Korea."
"If all the superpowers are interested in cooperation with South Korea, they will care about stability on the Peninsula. But if South Korea breaks its relations with China and Russia, why should these countries bother about what happens there? They have good relations with North Korea. That is why South Korea should develop its economic and political ties in a sober manner, based on real national and pragmatic interest."
Belarus has been active in the Eurasian Economic Union and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. How does the Korean Peninsula fit into Belarus's broader Eurasian engagement?
The Republic of Belarus has never positioned itself as a bridge connecting Eurasia. I believe what is being referred to is the initiative to develop a Eurasian Charter for Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century, first voiced at the International Conference on Eurasian Security in Minsk in October 2023. This initiative is a logical continuation of President A.G. Lukashenko's message at the UN Summit in 2005, calling on all countries to "recognize the diversity of paths to progressive development." Today, the goal is to define and formulate a sustainable framework for interstate relations in a new historical era. Belarus does not claim sole knowledge of how to change things in Eurasia for the better. The Republic of Korea can certainly make a significant contribution to the basic principles of the Eurasian Charter for peaceful coexistence and harmonious development across the continent.
How do you explain Belarus's position on Ukraine to audiences in Korea, where public opinion is largely shaped by Western media?
For many years Belarus has been continuously warning about the dangerous escalation of the military and political situation in Eastern Europe, the degradation of the international security system built over decades, and the devaluation of international treaties and agreements. The tragic consequences of the arrogant position of certain countries can be clearly seen today.
In South Korean media, a somewhat one-sided point of view on these and other events prevails. To my regret, a number of publications use censorship as a means to protect their readers from "inconvenient" information. I will be glad if this changes, and I and my colleagues have the opportunity to express another point of view, even if it seems a bit "inconvenient" here. I must note that the Korea Herald has published alternative points of view, albeit in a somewhat truncated form. I never ignore requests for information from the South Korean press — but leading South Korean media outlets and think tanks, in most cases, are not interested in the opinion of the Belarusian Embassy. If there is interest, we have never avoided and will not avoid commenting on any issues.
In the April 22, 2026, interview at the Embassy of Belarus in Seoul, the Ambassador elaborated:
"Just now it is objective that Belarus and South Korea belong to different political camps. There is no problem with that — people and countries should and could have different views on any aspect. It is only abnormal when there is no dialogue. … The last joint intergovernment commission on economic cooperation took place six or seven years ago.”
"Korea constantly declares it must fight against communism — but its closest partners, Vietnam and China, are both led by Communist Parties. If you declare a fight against communism, why should you rely on cooperation with Vietnam? Nobody asks the government this question, because everyone understands that government will not take steps against China and Vietnam — they are natural Korean partners. So I think in our very complicated environment, the only way to find a proper solution is unbiased, pragmatic cooperation."
CULTURAL AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
A South Korean delegation participated for the first time in the international observer mission for the Belarusian presidential election, and a Korean vocalist performed at the Slavianski Bazaar festival. How important are these exchanges in the current climate?
The ongoing activation of cooperation through culture is the best evidence of the steady development of dialogue between the peoples of our countries. This gains special importance during a turbulent political period, when people's diplomacy sometimes matters more than dialogue between politicians. There is no hypocrisy in interaction between peoples — there is more sincerity and openness. The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus hosted an exhibition of Korean folk painting — Minhwa — which aroused significant interest among the Belarusian public. We plan to continue such events in the cultural, sports, and tourism fields.
What message do you most want young Koreans to understand about Belarus?
It is always a great honor for me to speak to student audiences in Korea. The future belongs to the youth, and it is important now to build a foundation of mutual understanding between future generations. I always advise young Koreans to base their judgments on their own assessment. You can find any information on the Internet about Belarus — and much of it comes from people who have never been to my country or left it many years ago. I would like young students and scholars to have a critical but unbiased mind, free from preconceptions, aimed at finding truth and forming their own opinion.
PERSONAL AND DIPLOMATIC
You have been Ambassador to Korea since October 2021. What has surprised you most about Korea, and what do you think Koreans most misunderstand about Belarus?
Korea has many amazing things — nature, architecture, painting, culture, and national traditions. The strongest impression has been the Korean older generation, who, despite their advanced years, pay great attention to maintaining their physical fitness. Having participated repeatedly in sports festivals here, I was surprised by how people much older than me demonstrated impressive results in running, swimming, and cycling. This inspires me greatly in my own sports activities.
Koreans are a very inquisitive nation; they love to travel. Korean tourists who visit the Republic of Belarus are always very impressed not only by our landscape, but also by the level of technological development, culture, and production capabilities.
If the next Ambassador of Belarus to Korea were to ask for advice on how to enjoy a posting in Seoul, what would you say?
I get the greatest satisfaction from my stay in Seoul when my work produces results. My understanding of the main goal here is as follows: against the backdrop of a complex of contradictions, to find common ground where Belarus and Korea can be useful to each other. It is normal for people or countries to have different points of view. It is abnormal when there is no room for dialogue on those differences. The pragmatic, normal interaction between Belarus and the Republic of Korea is a good example for others. I would like my successor to continue and expand such communication for the benefit of both peoples — and I believe that would be the greatest enjoyment of a posting in Seoul.
