Rédaction Africa Links 24 with BBC
Published on 2024-02-20 15:57:21
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a luxury Russian-made car, according to Pyongyang’s state media. The limousine, which is an Aurus, was delivered to Mr. Kim’s top aides on Sunday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the gift and emphasized that the Aurus is a full-sized luxury sedan used by Mr. Putin himself.
This generous gift underscores the close relations between the two internationally isolated countries. Despite international sanctions on both Russia and North Korea, they have been collaborating extensively, with North Korea reportedly supplying Russia with artillery, rockets, and ballistic missiles for the war in Ukraine. Both countries deny any breaches of sanctions.
The foundation of the close ties between Russia and North Korea was laid when Mr. Putin welcomed Mr. Kim to the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East for their first meeting in four years back in September of 2023. During that visit, the two leaders exchanged gifts, with the North Korean leader inspecting Mr. Putin’s own Aurus Senat limousine and the two exchanging guns.
Despite North Korea being subjected to UN Security Council sanctions, the luxury car gift has been praised by Kim’s sister Yo Jong as a demonstration of the special personal relations between the top leaders of the two countries. However, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has stated that the gift breaches UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea, which prohibit the supply of certain categories of vehicles, including luxury cars.
The relationship between Mr. Putin and Mr. Kim has been described as pragmatic, with both leaders recognizing the benefits of closer ties, though without the flair of the bromance that had developed between former US President Donald Trump and Mr. Kim. Both Russia and North Korea have indicated that Mr. Putin will visit Pyongyang in the near future.
Images of the two leaders’ diplomatic interaction have emerged as well, including a photo of President Putin shaking hands with Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny Cosmodrome. This visit was significant, as it was the first time Mr. Kim had traveled abroad in four years. The North Korean leader is known to be a car enthusiast and has a collection of luxury foreign vehicles. His interest in cars is evident from his inspection of Mr. Putin’s Aurus during their meeting.
It is clear that the relationship between Russia and North Korea is one of mutual benefit and strategic interest. Despite international isolation, these two nations have formed close ties that are likely to endure into the future.
Read the original article on The Namibian
