During the visit, Putin presented Kim Jong-un with a Russian-made Aurus limousine and an admiral’s dagger. Among the gifts exchanged by the presidents of Russia and North Korea were also a tea service and works of art.
Putin was welcomed in North Korea with a lavish ceremony, which marked his first visit to the country in almost a quarter of a century. The North Korean leader greeted him with smiles and hugs as stallions, balloons and huge posters of the two leaders decorated surrounding buildings in Pyongyang, followed by a tea party and a gala concert.
In February, Putin presented Mr. Kim with another Russian-made Aurus, a sedan of the type that the Russian leader himself drove. It was delivered to North Korea in violation of UN sanctions.
Kim is said to be a car enthusiast and has a collection of high-end foreign cars. It is not clear which model of Aurus he was given this time. He was seen in a Maybach limousine, several Mercedes, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Lexus SUV.
The show of unity comes at a time when both countries face international isolation.
Ties between the two states have strengthened in recent years, especially after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
North Korea is believed to be supplying Russia with artillery, rockets and ballistic missiles for the war, despite international sanctions against both countries.
Both sides deny sanctions violations.
During the talks, Putin thanked Mr. Kim for his “consistent and unwavering support for Russia’s policy, including in the Ukrainian direction.”
Kim said that “the relationship between their two countries is entering a period of new prosperity,” calling Russia “the most honest friend.”
The leaders of the countries signed an agreement to help each other in case of “aggression”.
