Photo: Collected
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet Wednesday in Pyongyang for a summit where they are widely expected to discuss ways to boost sanctions-busting military ties.
Kim greeted Putin at the airport, with the two internationally isolated leaders hugging on the red carpet, photographs in North Korean state media showed, underscoring the increasingly close relationship that has sparked concern in Seoul and Washington.
It is Putin's first trip to North Korea since 2000 and comes as Western countries accuse Kim of supplying arms to historic ally Russia for use in Ukraine in violation of UN sanctions on both countries, allegations Moscow and Pyongyang have officially denied.
Kim was shown standing on the red carpet waiting for Putin to emerge from his private plane in the wee hours, before escorting the Russian leader to his waiting car.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim "shook hands with Putin and embraced him warmly, expressing his joy and gladness to meet him again" following a summit in Russia's far east last year.
The visit highlights the "invincibility and durability" of the bilateral relationship, KCNA said, with the leaders expected to hold talks later Wednesday, after an official welcoming ceremony.
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