Putin and Kim: Photos of the rousing welcome of the North Korean leader to the Russian President

It’s not as if North Korea has many state visits, but when the day comes that a very important ally sets foot on its soil, the display it puts on is spectacular.

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, arrived in Pyongyang this Wednesday on his first official visit to the Asian country in 24 years – and was welcomed by his counterpart Kim Jong-un.

As these images show, the occasion was celebrated with great pomp. And Putin’s last visit was in 2000, when the current leader’s father, Kim Jong-il, was still in power.

At the airport, there was a red carpet, red roses, honor guards stood at attention along the street while the two leaders smiled and hugged.

Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang was packed with crowdsColourful balloons, flowers, choreography.

During the welcome ceremony, huge banners with photographs of both the leaders were put up on the surrounding buildings.

Kim called Russia his “most sincere friend and ally” and thanked Putin for his “The most beloved friend of Koreans“, According to the state agency RIA.

The two countries signed an agreement which provides “Mutual assistance” in case of “aggression” against any of them.Putin said, quoted by Russian state media.

The Russian president also called Pyongyang’s position on Ukraine “another test of its sovereign policy.”

“This grand welcome comes at a time when North Korea is grappling with heavy sanctions Food, fuel and energy shortagesand an exhausted economy made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic,” says BBC journalist Shaima Khalil from Seoul.

Despite the economic situation, it seems Pyongyang has spared no resources for this trip, Khalil says, hoping it will surely bear fruit.

Russian state media cited presidential aide Yuri Ushakov as saying Putin presented his counterpart with a luxurious Russian Aurus car, an admiral’s dagger and a tea set.

A tea party and grand concert are planned in the evening.

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