Senior officials including Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov and Primorye regional Governor Oleg Kozhemyako were present at the ceremony, which featured a Russian military band playing both North Korean and Russian national anthems.
It was the North Korean leader’s longest foreign trip since he took power in late 2011. Observers said he was expected to return to Pyongyang on Monday afternoon.
Before departing from Vladivostok, the Pacific port city just over the border, Kim was presented with five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone and a bulletproof vest as gifts from the governor of the Primorye region, which borders China and North Korea.
Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency on Monday said Kim “extended his heartfelt thanks to President Putin and the Russian leadership” for “their special care and cordial hospitality” as he wrapped up the visit.
North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, Russia talk up military ties in new ‘heyday’
North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, Russia talk up military ties in new ‘heyday’
Kim is heading home “after successfully completing the schedule of his official goodwill visit to the Russian Federation,” KCNA said.
On Sunday, Kim watched a performing walrus at the Primorsky Aquarium, Russia’s largest, accompanied by his officials, many wearing military uniforms.
State media images showed Kim smiling broadly as he applauded the walrus and its handler.
Kim also “watched white dolphins and other sea animals performing acrobatic feats at the dolphinarium and looked round various places of the aquarium,” KCNA said.
The North Korean leader also praised the facility for “winning a reputation as a popular scientific research base” under Putin’s leadership, it added.
Kim’s latest visit to Russia will “shine long in history”, KCNA said, and will further consolidate the two countries’ “militant unity” while “opening up a new chapter” of their relations.
North Korea’s Kim visits Russia’s Far East, inspects bombers, missiles, warship
North Korea’s Kim visits Russia’s Far East, inspects bombers, missiles, warship
TASS said the “leader of the DPRK received five kamikaze drones and a ‘Geran-25’ reconnaissance drone with vertical take-off”, using the official name of North Korea.
TASS said the governor of the Primorye region, which borders China and North Korea, also “offered Kim Jong-un a set of bulletproof protection” and “special clothing not detectable by thermal cameras”.
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Kim Jong-un returns home with gifts of drones and bulletproof vest after week-long Russia tour
Kim Jong-un returns home with gifts of drones and bulletproof vest after week-long Russia tour
Observers say Russia’s alleged attempts to receive ammunition and artillery shells from North Korea suggest Moscow’s desperation to refill its arsenal exhausted in the war with Ukraine.
North Korea arms for Russia won’t make big difference in Ukraine: US general
North Korea arms for Russia won’t make big difference in Ukraine: US general
“The international community will unite more tightly in response to such a move”.
North Korean’s KCNA described the atmosphere during Kim’s visit as “fervent and warm” and said a “new era of friendship, solidarity and cooperation” was opening between North Korea and Russia.
