Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a “strategic partnership treaty” following their talks in Pyongyang on Wednesday, according to Russian state media reports.
Putin had earlier signaled that the two nations had prepared a document that would “form the basis” of their relations for years to come. The treaty reportedly replaces previous bilateral agreements signed in 1961, 2000, and 2001.
During the visit, the two leaders also exchanged gifts, with Kim receiving a tea set and a luxury Russian-made Aurus car, while Putin received unspecified gifts related to his image, including busts.
The strengthening of Moscow and Pyongyang’s ties has sparked concerns in the West over potential arms trading between the two nations to aid Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine