Russian President Vladimir Putin bid farewell to his “friend” and North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un as he departed the country after concluding his state visit earlier this week. The visit produced several viral video clips, capturing the world’s attention as the two leaders met. In a video shared by X, Putin was seen waving goodbye to Kim Jong Un through the window of his private jet, signifying their strong ties. The visit included various activities, such as feeding carrots to a horse and taking turns driving an Aurus limousine.
During the visit, an agreement was signed between Putin and Kim Jong Un, deepening their military cooperation and including a mutual defence pledge in case of an attack. This new pact signifies the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. Kim described the new ties as an “alliance”, while Putin was more reserved, pointing out historical references to the mutual military assistance pledge.
The relationship between Russia and North Korea has raised concerns, especially in light of their military exchanges amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The pact also highlighted the growing closeness between the two countries in the face of Western sanctions and geopolitical tensions. Both leaders emphasized the importance of their partnership in overcoming challenges posed by external pressures and expressed mutual support in various areas. The visit marked a significant moment in international relations, as Putin became the first major head of state to visit North Korea since the pandemic. Overall, the visit showcased the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea, with implications for the larger geopolitical landscape.
