Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted a Russian-made car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for personal use, demonstrating their special relationship.
North Korea’s government media gave this information on Tuesday. At the same time, Kremlin has also confirmed this.
Putin gifted the Russian Aurus limousine to Kim Jon Un because the North Korean leader had liked the armored car during his previous visit to Russia, it said in a statement. He was also seen sitting inside the car next to the Russian President at the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
When asked about this, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “When the head of the DPRK (North Korea) was at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, he saw this car. Putin personally showed it to him and Kim also liked the car.”
It was not stated what type of car it was or how it was shipped. Observers, however, said it could be a violation of a UN resolution that bans the supply of luxury goods to North Korea in an effort to pressure the country to give up its nuclear weapons.
The Korean Central News Agency said Kim’s sister Kim Yo Jong and another North Korean official accepted the gift on Sunday and thanked Putin on their brother’s behalf.
The news said that Kim Yo Jong said that this gift reflects the special personal relationship between the leaders.
North Korea and Russia have significantly expanded their cooperation since Kim visited Russia for a summit with Putin last September.
During Kim’s visit to Russia’s main space station, Putin showed the North Korean leader his personal Aurus Senate limousine with Kim sitting in the back seat.
According to Russia’s state news agency Tass, the Aurus was the first Russian luxury car brand and is used in the convoy of vehicles of top officials, including Putin. It is being used in Putin’s convoy since 2018.