Putin and Kim embrace in North Korea, vow new multi-polar world

Shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warmly embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival at Pyongyang's airport on Wednesday, the two leaders shared their "pent-up inmost thoughts" and committed to strengthening their nations' relations, according to North Korean state media.

Putin, arriving in the early hours, is making his first visit to the North Korean capital in 24 years. This visit is anticipated to reshape the long-standing relations between Russia and North Korea, especially as both countries face increasing international isolation.

North Korea's state news agency KCNA described the partnership as an "engine for accelerating the building of a new multi-polar world," emphasizing the resilience and strength of their friendship and unity. 

Russia has leveraged its closer ties with North Korea to challenge Washington, while heavily sanctioned North Korea has gained political support and economic promises from Moscow.

The United States and its allies express concerns that Russia could aid North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs, which are banned by UN Security Council resolutions. Additionally, they accuse Pyongyang of supplying ballistic missiles and artillery shells for Russia’s use in the Ukraine conflict. Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny any weapons transfers.

Upon Putin's arrival, Kim greeted him with a handshake, an embrace, and a conversation beside the Russian leader's plane. They then traveled together in a limousine to the Kumsusan State Guest House.

"Passing through charmingly lit streets of Pyongyang at night, the top leaders exchanged their pent-up inmost thoughts and opened their minds to more surely develop the DPRK-Russia relations," KCNA reported, using the initials of North Korea's official name.

The agenda for Wednesday includes one-on-one discussions between the leaders, a gala concert, a state reception, honor guards, document signings, and a statement to the media, as reported by Russia's Interfax news agency, citing Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov.

Indicating a shift in Russia's approach to North Korea, Putin praised Pyongyang for resisting U.S. economic pressure, blackmail, and threats. In an article on the front page of North Korea's main ruling party newspaper, he vowed to "develop alternative trade and mutual settlement mechanisms not controlled by the West" and to "build an equal and indivisible security architecture in Eurasia."

This message is likely appealing to Kim Jong Un, suggesting potential economic growth within an anti-West economic bloc led by Russia. Rachel Minyoung Lee, an analyst with the 38 North program in Washington, noted that if Pyongyang views Russia as a viable long-term economic partner, there would be even less incentive for North Korea to improve relations with the United States.

Ahead of the visit, Putin issued a presidential order stating Moscow's intention to sign a "comprehensive strategic partnership treaty" with North Korea, which would include security issues. Ushakov clarified that the deal would not target any other country but would outline prospects for further cooperation.