SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin at Pyongyang’s airport.
The two leaders, after sharing deeply personal discussions, committed to strengthening their countries’ ties, according to North Korean state media.
Putin’s pre-dawn arrival marks his first visit to North Korea’s capital in 24 years, a trip poised to redefine Russia-North Korea relations amid their shared international isolation, Reuters reported.
This partnership, described as a driving force for a new multi-polar world, showcases the enduring and resilient friendship between the two nations, stated North Korea’s KCNA news agency.
Russia has leveraged its growing relationship with North Korea to challenge Washington, while North Korea, under heavy sanctions, has secured political and economic support from Moscow.
Concerns from the United States and its allies revolve around potential Russian assistance for North Korea’s prohibited missile and nuclear programs and allegations of North Korean arms supplies to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these claims.
Kim welcomed Putin with a handshake and embrace, and the leaders traveled together to the Kumsusan State Guest House.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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