Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were seen laughing as they took turns driving each other around in a Russian-built limousine during Putin’s first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years.
In footage released by North Korean state media agency KCNA on Thursday, the two leaders appeared to enjoy each other’s company as they took a ride in the Aurus luxury car. The carefully staged moment showed Putin driving first while Kim sat in the passenger seat, before the two switched places.
The images highlight the close bond between the leaders, who have declared that their ties have reached a “new level” during Putin’s rare visit to North Korea this week.
During the visit, North Korea and Russia signed a new defense pact, pledging to provide immediate military assistance if either country is attacked. This agreement, set against the backdrop of Putin’s ongoing war in Ukraine, is the most significant deal between Russia and North Korea in decades and echoes their 1961 Cold War-era mutual defense pledge. It also strengthens North Korea's ties with a powerful ally on the UN Security Council.
On Wednesday, Putin presented Kim with an Aurus car as the two leaders exchanged gifts, marking the second time the Russian leader has given this car model to Kim. According to Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin also gifted Kim a tea set. In return, Kim gave Putin a pair of native Pungsan hunting dogs, the same breed he gifted to former South Korean President Moon Jae-in in 2018.
Putin’s visit has been a highly public display of the strong relations between Russia and North Korea, whose alignment has deepened in response to shared hostility toward the West. The Russian leader arrived in North Korea early Wednesday morning, exactly 24 years to the day since his last visit to Pyongyang, amid international concerns over the two countries’ military cooperation.
During their talks, Kim expressed “full support and solidarity” with Russia’s actions in Ukraine, describing them as efforts to protect its sovereignty, safety, and territorial stability. Putin, in turn, praised the countries’ ties as being based on “equality and mutual respect.”
This growing relationship has raised concerns in both Seoul and Washington, not only about North Korea’s arms transfers to Russia but also the possibility of Moscow providing advanced military technology to aid Pyongyang’s heavily sanctioned weapons program.
After his visit to North Korea, Putin traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam, as part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties with friendly nations amid Western isolation.
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