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Despots among themselves: Kim Jon Un and Vladimir Putin in Russia in autumn 2023
Photo: Vladimir Smirnov / AP
According to North Korean state media reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un a car as a sign of their good relations. Moscow handed over the Russian-made vehicle for Kim's "personal use." The car was received on Sunday by a secretary of the Workers' Party Central Committee and Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, North Korean media reported on Tuesday. Kim Yo Jong conveyed Kim's thanks to Putin and described the gift as a "clear demonstration of the special personal relationships between the two leaders."
It was not mentioned what brand of car it was. In South Korea it was suspected that the gift could fall under the category of luxury goods and therefore constitute a violation of UN resolutions. Among other things, these prohibit the export of such goods to North Korea. The country, which is ruled authoritarianly by Kim Jong Un, is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons program.
During Kim's visit to Russia last September, Putin showed Kim a Russian luxury sedan from the Aurus brand, which also serves as the ruler's state car. Since the visit, both countries have significantly increased their cooperation. A UN expert report recently said that North Korea imported significantly more goods in 2023 and expanded its trade with its new partner Russia.
The US government announced in October that North Korea had sent military equipment and ammunition to Russia for the war of aggression against Ukraine. South Korea also accuses North Korea of supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine with weapons and ammunition - apparently including ballistic missiles.
As a symbol of closer cooperation, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Russian Far East in September 2023 and met with Putin there. This was followed by a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Pyongyang. Putin's trip to North Korea is still pending.
czl/dpa