What would a dictator intent on world domination give to other dictators? Limos, tea sets, and daggers, of course.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea this week for the first time in nearly a quarter century, and came bearing a gift for dictator Kim Jong Un: a Russian-made Aurus limousine, which was made a grand unveiling.
Kim Jong Un, reportedly a huge car enthusiast and collector, was beaming as he climbed into the limousine next to Putin and drove off side by side down the highway.
They appeared to be driving through some sort of well-maintained car park, and at one point they pulled over and swapped places so Kim could take the wheel and head off.
The car is the latest in Kim’s collection, which also includes numerous Mercedes, Maybach limousines and Rolls-Royce Phantoms. According to the BBC.
In February, Putin presented Kim Jong Un with an Aurus limousine, the official presidential car for Russian leaders, for the first time.
Putin also presented Kim with a Russian naval dagger and a tea set on Wednesday, which Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian state media were “very beautiful.”
While the pair won’t be playing with daggers, they do have plans to host a tea party, though it’s unclear if the tea set will be used at the party.
Kim Jong Un told Putin that Ushakov was a “very good gift” and [his] “Images.” The artwork reportedly included several busts.
Ushakov told Russia’s state news agency TASS that Kim’s gift to Putin was “quite subtle.”
Putin arrived in Pyongyang on Wednesday with much fanfare, as the smiling leaders embraced, balloons flew all around, crowds cheered and posters bearing their faces were plastered around the city.
The leaders are expected to meet privately for around two hours and then hold a celebration.
During the meeting, Kim Jong Un expressed his “full support” for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and vowed to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Kim Jong Un is believed to be supplying ballistic missiles to Russia’s war effort, and there is speculation that the ongoing talks could expand on existing military equipment deals in place.
U.S. and South Korean officials fear that in return Russia could provide technology to advance North Korea’s nuclear program. The two countries signed a mutual defense treaty on Wednesday pledging to aid each other in the face of aggression.
“A new 21st century axis of evil is taking shape before our eyes. Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have an agreement promising to assist each other if either faces ‘aggression,’ but the world already knows who the aggressor is,” former Vice President Mike Pence told The Post on Wednesday.
“As these new alliances form among the enemies of freedom, America must not diminish its role as leader of the free world. Now more than ever, we must continue to lead the free world against the threats of aggression and tyranny from Russia, North Korea, Iran and China.”
With post wire
