North Korea extends a grand welcome to Putin during his initial visit in two decades.
In a grand spectacle, Vladimir Putin was warmly welcomed by Kim Jong Un at Kim Il Sung Square, amid cheers from soldiers, military personnel, and children with balloons, against a backdrop of large portraits of the two leaders.
Upon arrival, Putin and Kim exchanged greetings before presenting their delegations and standing side by side as the Russian national anthem played. The two leaders then rode in an open-top limousine, waving to the crowd, signifying Moscow's strengthening ties with Pyongyang in the face of mutual hostility towards the West and worries about their increasing military cooperation.
Putin's visit to North Korea, an unusual occurrence, took place early Wednesday local time, symbolizing Russia's growing alignment with North Korea. Despite accusations from various governments that Pyongyang has been supplying arms to Moscow for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, both nations have dismissed these claims, despite substantial proof of such transfers.
The upcoming strategic partnership agreement between the two autocrats is expected to be signed, marking a stark indication of their growing relations. This meeting also represents a significant win for Kim, who, due to his illicit weapons program, has been ostracized on the international stage and has not hosted another world leader in his capital since the pandemic.
Kim appeared visibly pleased as he welcomed Putin at the airport, as footage from the Russian leader's arrival showed. Following the airport, the pair embarked on a ride to the Kumsusan State Guest House, where Putin is residing, as per North Korean state-run news agency KCNA.
According to KCNA, the leaders shared their deepest thoughts and opened up to each other to further strengthen North Korea-Russia relations. This growing relationship has raised concerns not only about North Korea's arms transfers to Russia but also the potential for Moscow to share its advanced military technology to support Pyongyang's heavily sanctioned weapons program.
South Korea and the United States express growing apprehension regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula, as Kim has been escalating threatening rhetoric and abandoning policies promoting peaceful reunification with South Korea in recent months.
This story is still developing and will be updated.
Read also:
Despite these tense international relations, Russia and North Korea continue to strengthen their alliance, with Putin's visit serving as a testament to their growing relations in Asia and on the world stage. This partnership could potentially impact arms sales and military technology transfers, stirring concerns from neighboring countries and global organizations.
