Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a pair of Pungsan dogs during Putin’s recent visit to North Korea, as reported by KCNA, North Korea’s state media. Pungsan dogs are a native breed known for hunting, originating from northern North Korea, according to Reuters.
In a segment broadcasted on Korean Central Television on Thursday, Kim and Putin were shown inspecting the dogs, which were tethered to a rose-covered fence. The leaders were also photographed with a horse, with Putin patting its head and Kim feeding it carrots, Reuters noted.
During Putin’s visit, they were seen riding in a Russian-made Aurus limousine. Gifts exchanged included the limousine itself, a tea set, and artworks, highlighting the diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.
In a similar gesture in 2019, Kim Jong Un gifted a pair of white Pungsan dogs named ‘Gomi’ and ‘Songgang’ to former South Korean president Moon Jae-in, according to the report.
Furthermore, North Korea’s state media released the complete text of a mutual defense pact, officially known as the ‘Treaty on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.
Kim had previously invited Putin to visit North Korea during his own trip to Russia’s Far East in September last year. Putin’s recent visit marked his return to North Korea after nearly 24 years, Reuters added.