Putin leaves North Korea after historic state visit

President Putin on Wednesday completed his one-day state visit to Pyongyang where he and North Korean leader Kin Jong-un signed a partnership agreement described by both as defensive in nature and not threatening anyone. The pact worried the West who see it as a threat for regional and global security as Kim supported Russian “special military operation“ in Ukraine and Moscow is seen as potential ally of Pyongyang in its possible confrontation with Seoul. The two leaders spent together more than 10 hours, according to TASS news agency. They held wide and one one-on-one talks, attended a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial to soldiers of Red Army killed in action liberating Korea in World War Two and had a ride on a limousine. Kim described Putin as “the dearest friend of Korean people“ and Putin thanked the host nation and its leadership for their “balanced stance“ in regard to “the situation on Ukrainian direction.“ Speaking at a reception in Pyongyang, Putin said that Russia and North Korea are together resisting “hegemonism and colonial practices of the USA and their satellites.“ After 21 hours spent in the North Korean capital, Putin departed for Hanoi. Read the best of our journalism: Subscribe to The Times and The Sunday Times YouTube channel: Find us on Facebook: Find us on Twitter: Find us on Instagram: #northkorea #putin #kimjongun #pyongyang