Putin and Kim Exchange Gifts During State Visit in North Korea
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un exchanged extravagant gifts during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang. The visit marked Putin's first trip to North Korea in nearly 25 years.
Putin presented Kim with a Russian-made Aurus limousine, a tea set, and an admiral’s dirk, as confirmed by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. North Korean state media reported that Kim gifted Putin with artwork and busts related to the Russian president's image. The exchange took place amidst a grand welcoming ceremony featuring stallions, balloons, and posters of the two leaders.
During their talks, which lasted about two hours, both leaders discussed their mutual support in international affairs and formalized a mutual aid agreement, highlighting their countries' growing alliance. They also expressed gratitude for each other's unwavering support, particularly concerning Russia's conflict in Ukraine and North Korea's stance on international sanctions.
The meeting comes on the heels of increasing ties between Russia and North Korea following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both leaders emphasized the strengthening of bilateral relations and agreed on future mutual support in the face of external aggression. Their last meeting was in September at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia, where they exchanged gifts, including guns.
Vladimir Putin is expected to invite Kim Jong Un to Moscow for their next meeting.