Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea state visit

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, landed in Pyongyang, North Korea, early on Wednesday.

According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim was at Pyongyang International Airport to welcome Putin when he arrived early on Wednesday. Kim shook his hand and gave him an embrace. The Russian president would be staying at the Kumsusan State Guest House, so he drove Putin there in his limousine.

Putin expressed his gratitude to North Korea for its support in the war in Ukraine in a letter that was released in state media on Tuesday, the eve of the visit. He also promised to stand with Pyongyang in the face of U.S. "economic pressure, provocation, blackmail, and military threats."

According to a presidential directive from Russia, during the visit, a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement would be signed at the highest level between North Korea and Russia.

The state news agency KCNA characterized the leaders' meeting as a significant event that demonstrates the “invincibility and durability” of the bond between North Korea and Russia. It also noted that their relations serve as a “strong strategic fortress for preserving international justice, peace, and security and an engine for accelerating the construction of a new multi-polar world.”

Although both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any arms transactions, they have expressed intentions to enhance military cooperation.

Following his North Korean visit, Putin plans to travel to Vietnam, which recently enhanced its ties with the U.S. during a visit by President Joe Biden last year.

The two leaders last met nine months ago when Kim visited the Vostochny Cosmodrome in far eastern Russia last September. For Putin, this trip marks his first return to Pyongyang in 24 years, since he, as a newly appointed Russian leader, met with Kim Jong Il, the late North Korean leader.

Putin's previous journey to North Korea was in 2000, early in his presidential tenure, where he met with Kim Jong Il, then the supreme leader.