Russian President Vladimir Putin presented North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with a Russian-made car, state media in Pyongyang announced on Tuesday (January 20), as part of strengthening ties between the two countries.
This gift is likely to constitute a violation of the sanctions imposed on Pyongyang by the United Nations in 2017, also signed by Russia, which target any importation of vehicles into North Korea.
Kim Jong-un “
was gifted a Russian-made car for his personal use by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation
,” state news agency KCNA reported.
Mr. Kim's powerful sister, Yo Jong, said the "
gift is a clear demonstration of the special personal relations between the top leaders
" of the two countries, the North Korean agency added.
The vehicle model was not specified in this publication.
Reconciliation between Moscow and Pyongyang
Since the North Korean leader's visit to Russia last year, Pyongyang has moved closer to Moscow.
A group of Russian tourists arrived earlier this month for a four-day trip, the first known foreign group to visit the country since the pandemic-related border closures.
After Mr. Kim and Mr. Putin's September summit in the Russian Far East, the United States and South Korea repeatedly claimed that the North had shipped weapons to Moscow for use in its war with Ukraine, in exchange for Russian help on North Korean satellite programs.
Both sides indicated that the Russian leader is expected to make another visit to Pyongyang.
Mr. Kim is renowned for his taste in luxury cars.
He has been spotted using Lexus SUVs and Mercedes-Benz S-class models. A 2021 United Nations report documents an attempt to ship luxury vehicles worth more than million dollars from the United Arab Emirates to Ningbo, China, for onward delivery to North Korea.
Read alsoPutin advocates strengthening cooperation with North Korea “on all axes”
During the North Korean leader's visit to Russia last year, Putin invited him to ride in the back seat of his Aurus Senat presidential limousine.
The North Korean leader arrived there in his Maybach limousine, transported by a special train from North Korea.