The leaders of North Korea and Russia are expected to sign a strategic partnership treaty at their summit on Wednesday that calls for economic and security cooperation.
North Korea’s state-run television aired footage of leader Kim Jong Un welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin with a handshake and a hug at an airport in Pyongyang early on Wednesday.
The footage also showed Kim and Putin riding together in the Russian presidential vehicle. Their motorcade passed through the streets decked with the Russian flag and Putin’s photograph, and headed to the Kumsusan State Guest House.
State-run TV said Putin’s visit will “reliably promote the strategic and future-oriented development” of the two countries’ relations, and propel the cause of “building a powerful country.”
Putin’s visit to North Korea is his first in 24 years. Kim and Putin last met in the Russian Far East in September 2023.
The latest summit comes as Russia is accused of obtaining short-range ballistic missiles and artillery shells from North Korea for use in Ukraine. In return, the North is said to be receiving food, energy and other aid from Moscow.
Kim and Putin are expected to sign the strategic partnership treaty, to highlight stronger bilateral ties to confront the United States and other adversaries.