The Russian president touched down in the country’s capital, Pyongyang, where he will begin his two-day visit. He was greeted at the airport by North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, according to RIA Novosti. A formal meeting between the two leaders is expected to take place tomorrow. In a presidential order issued yesterday, Putin said Moscow was looking to sign a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” with North Korea. The international community has raised alarm bells regarding his trip, with NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg saying the military alliance was concerned about the support Russia could provide for North Korea’s missile and nuclear programmes. (Photo: Putin and Kim).

Analysis: Russia Will Delight in the West’s Disquiet Caused by North Korea Visit

By Ivor Bennett, Moscow correspondent

This will only be Vladimir Putin’s second visit to North Korea. The first was soon after he assumed office in 2000, nearly a quarter of a century ago. That’s a long time to wait for a return trip. Was it the hospitality? Or did he just have better options elsewhere? Either way, it’s very much a case of beggars can’t be choosers right now, with Tuesday’s visit highlighting both Russia’s isolation from the West and the blossoming friendship between these two pariah states.

What does North Korea offer Russia? A lot more than camaraderie. According to the US and others, it’s supplying the Kremlin with weapons and ammunition to use in Ukraine. In an interview with Bloomberg recently, South Korea’s defence minister said the North had sent nearly five million artillery shells to Russia since September, as well as dozens of ballistic missiles. Moscow and Pyongyang both deny the accusation but UN monitors claim to have seen evidence. In January, they concluded the remnants of a missile fired from Russia on Kherson was that of a North Korea-made Kwasong-11 series. Kyiv claims there are several more examples.

For North Korea, the closer ties are a big win. As well as food and fuel, analysts say Russia has provided the poverty-stricken nation with much-needed economic aid and diplomatic support. In March, for example, Russia vetoed the UN resolution to renew the mandate of the panel of experts monitoring sanctions enforcement. It’s also assumed Moscow is supplying some technical know-how for Pyongyang’s space and satellite programmes, after President Putin hosted Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny cosmodrone in Russia’s Far East last September.

The stronger ties between the two is a major concern for the West and its Asian allies. These are two leaders who like to warn how their fingers are poised over the red button. The primary fear in Washington and Seoul is that Russia could start supplying some of its nuclear know-how and missile technology, on top of the other assistance. The Russian leader’s entourage for the visit certainly raises eyebrows. It includes his new defence minister Andrei Belousov as well as Denis Manturov, the deputy prime minister responsible for defence.

The official line from the Kremlin is that there’s nothing to see here – yes, we might sign a security agreement, but it won’t be directed against any other country. Russia’s “right” to develop good relationships with its neighbours “should not be of concern to anyone”, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. Behind the scenes, though, they will no doubt delight in the disquiet the visit is causing. It’s very much a diplomatic two-fingers to the West, which may bring tangible geopolitical benefits too.If South Korea is considering providing weapons to Ukraine, for example, this might make them think twice about it.

Putin and Kim exchange ‘pent up inmost thoughts’ – More details about Vladimir Putin’s arrival in North Korea have started coming through…The Russian president arrived in the country for the first time in 24 years earlier this evening, and was greeted by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The two men had a brief conversation and then left Pyongyang Airport in the same car. Now, Korean Central News Agency has reported that the pair shared their “pent up inmost thoughts” with each other and “opened their minds”.

The North Korean state news organisation said the conversation was “friendly” and came as their relationship “entered a course of new comprehensive development”. It added that Putin’s visit was important in “powerfully propelling the cause of building a powerful country”. Of course, the Korean Central News Agency’s original reporting is in Korean, so there may be some discrepancies in the translation.

Hugs, laughs and a red carpet – Putin’s arrival in North Korea – As we have been reporting this evening, Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea for the first time in 24 years to begin a two-day visit. The Russian president was greeted by North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, with the men seen laughing and hugging as they had a conversation near Putin’s plane. A red carpet was rolled out for his arrival as well.

US concerned by ‘deepening’ Russia-North Korea relationship – The US has said it is concerned about the “deepening” cooperation between Russia and the North Korea. The Pentagon voiced concern about the growing ties between Moscow and Pyongyang as Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea for his first visit in 24 years.  “The deepening cooperation between Russia and the DPRK is something that should be of concern, especially to anyone that’s interested in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, told reporters.

DPRK is an abbreviation for North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. What will happen during Putin’s visit? As we told you in our last post, Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea for his first visit in 24 years. The Russian president’s plane touched down in Pyongyang around 2.45am local time (6.45pm UK time) after a stopover in Russia’s far east. He was reportedly greeted by North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un. Here’s a quick look at what is expected to take place during his two-day visit…

One of the first events to take place will be one-on-one discussions between the two leaders. There will also be a gala concert, state reception, honour guards, document signings, and a statement to the media, Russia’s Interfax news agency quoted Mr Putin’s aide as saying. A number of Russian officials have travelled to Pyongyang as well as part of Mr Putin’s delegation, including defence minister Andrei Belousov, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and deputy prime minister Alexander Novak. Ahead of the visit, North Korea appeared to make preparations for a possible military parade in downtown Pyongyang.

Courtesy: Sky News