Putin gifts Russian-made car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un: Report

Pyongyang [North Korea]: Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted a Russian-made car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, showcasing the special bond between the two leaders, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing state media.

Symbolising Exceptional Personal Relations

The gift demonstrates a "clear demonstration of the special personal relations between the two leaders and as the best one," Yonhap News Agency reported, citing Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Gratitude from Kim Yo-jong

Russia has conveyed information about gifting the vehicle to the secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea and the North Korean leader's sister Kim Yo-jong. Kim Yo-jong thanked the Russian side for Putin's gift to Kim Jong Un.

Recollection of Previous Meeting

In September last year, Putin showed his presidential Aurus Senat limousine to Kim Jong Un during his visit to the Vostochny spaceport in Russia for the summit. Putin offered him the opportunity to take a seat in the Russian-made luxury vehicle.

Uncertain Identity of the Gifted Car

It is not known whether Putin's gift to Kim Jong Un was an Aurus Senat limousine.

Potential Violation of UN Resolutions

However, the Russian President's gift to Kim Jong Un could violate United Nations Security Council resolutions that ban the supply of luxury goods, including automobiles, to North Korea.

Kim Jong Un's Flouting of Sanctions

Notably, Kim Jong Un has made public appearances in various vehicles - Mercedes-Maybach S-class vehicles, including a limousine, violating international sanctions on North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Bilateral Cooperation in Full Swing

Meanwhile, delegations led by senior North Korean government officials in charge of technology, fisheries, and sports affairs have departed for Russia, Yonhap News Agency reported citing state media, as Pyongyang and Moscow have been enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Global IT Forum Attendance

Information and Trade Minister Ju Yong-il and other delegates departed from Pyongyang on Monday to attend a global IT forum in Moscow. The Eurasia IT forum is due to be held in Moscow under the theme of "digital sovereignty as the basis for long-term international cooperation," Yonhap News Agency reported citing its website.

Promotion of Bilateral Cooperation in Fisheries

Meanwhile, a delegation, led by North Korea's Vice Fisheries Minister Son Song-kuk, departed for Russia on Sunday to hold discussions on ways to promote bilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing KCNA.

Sports Exchange Protocol Signing Ceremony

North Korea's Vice Sports Minister O Kwang-hyok departed for Russia to attend a ceremony to sign a 2024 sports exchange protocol between the two nations.

(With ANI inputs)