Russia's Putin Makes Rare Visit To North Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in North Korea on Tuesday. This is Putin's first visit to the nation in 24 years. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally greeted the Russian President at the plane ramp as he arrived in Pyongyang. The last time Putin visited North Korea was in 2000. Putin will also travel to Vietnam after concluding this visit.

The Kremlin has described Putin's trip as a “friendly state visit." According to Russian media, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un are likely to sign a partnership agreement, including on security cooperation. According to a CNN report, the streets of the North Korean capital were decked out with Russian flags and posters of Putin ahead of his visit. It is worth mentioning that Kim Jong Un has not hosted any other world leader in his politically isolated country since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ties between Russia and North Korea have increased in recent years, and western nations are closely monitoring the developments. Meanwhile, the United States has reportedly said it is concerned about the "deepening relationship" between Russia and North Korea. The US and other countries have accused North Korea of delivering substantial military aid to Russia. In return, Russia is reportedly providing military technology, financial support, and food to North Korea. However, both countries have denied arms transfers.