North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Showcases Russo-North Korean Friendship with Putin-Gifted Car Amid Military Drills
Last Updated on March 16, 2024 5:59 am
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s public ride in a car gifted by Russian President Vladimir Putin serves as a tangible symbol of the deepening friendship between Pyongyang and Moscow, according to state media reports released on Saturday.
The Russian Aurus limousine, presented to Kim by Putin during their meeting in September, was showcased in Pyongyang as a testament to the burgeoning relationship between North Korea and Russia. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, hailed the gesture as “clear proof” of the DPRK-Russia friendship reaching new heights.
The strengthened ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly in the military realm, have been a focal point since Kim’s meeting with Putin. Despite Western allegations regarding military cooperation between the two nations, Pyongyang and Moscow have vehemently denied such claims.
Kim Jong Un’s ride in the Russian car coincided with his oversight of air warfare drills on Friday, during which he emphasized the necessity for “realistic” combat preparation. The drills come in the wake of joint annual exercises involving South Korea and the United States, which concluded earlier this week.
Emphasizing the importance of preparedness for potential conflict, Kim stressed the need for training that directly simulates real combat situations. The recent drills mark the first military exercises following North Korea’s withdrawal from a 2018 inter-Korean military pact aimed at reducing tensions.
In addition to the military activities, Kim also attended the opening ceremony of a greenhouse farm on the same day. Notably, photographs released by state media showcased Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, in attendance at both the military drills and the agricultural event, highlighting the regime’s efforts to portray a sense of continuity and familial involvement in state affairs.
As North Korea continues to navigate regional dynamics and international pressures, its strategic alignment with Russia, as demonstrated by Kim’s public display of the Putin-gifted car, underscores Pyongyang’s diplomatic maneuvering amidst evolving geopolitical realities.