Russia's President Vladimir Putin is greeted by North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un during a welcoming ceremony at an airport in Pyongyang, North Korea June 19, 2024.
Gavriil Grigorov | Via ReutersRussian President Vladimir Putin was met with a grand reception in Pyongyang, North Korea on Wednesday amid concerns from Western officials about the two nuclear-armed countries' growing relationship.
North Korean state TV showed the two leaders warmly embracing on a red carpet outside Pyongyang International Airport after Putin landed around 2:45 a.m. local time, kicking off his first visit there in 24 years.
During their initial meeting, the Russian and North Korean leaders shared their "pent-up inmost thoughts" and agreed to further develop their nations' relations, state media KCNA reported.
"We are, of course, also concerned about the potential support that Russia provides to North Korea when it comes to supporting their missile and nuclear programs," said Stoltenberg.
Persons:
Vladimir Putin, North, Kim Jong Un, Gavriil, Putin, Kim Jong Un's, Jens Stoltenberg, Stoltenberg, Antony Blinken
Organizations:
Reuters, Pyongyang International Airport, NATO, U.S
Locations:
Pyongyang, North Korea, Russia, North, Eurasia, Ukraine, China, Iran, Antony Blinken .