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In a symbolic act of camaraderie, President Vladimir Putin has gifted North Korea’s central zoo with a remarkable array of over 70 animals, which include a lion and two brown bears. This gesture is yet another indication of the deepening alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, further solidifying their growing diplomatic relationship.
The animals were delivered to the North Korean capital by Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s Environment Minister, who personally coordinated the transport via cargo plane.
Kozlov’s office confirmed the details of the transfer in an official post on its Telegram channel this past Wednesday, further underscoring the diplomatic gesture between Moscow and Pyongyang.
The cargo shipment, which departed from Moscow, carried a diverse array of creatures, including two yaks, five cockatoos, and numerous pheasants, along with a collection of mandarin ducks.
These additional species were confirmed in an official statement released by Kozlov’s office, further showcasing the extent of the unique gift to North Korea.
The timing of this diplomatic gesture is particularly notable, coming just weeks after reports from the US and South Korea confirmed that North Korea had dispatched thousands of troops to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, deepening the ties between the two nations in a surprising and significant way.
While in Pyongyang, Russian environment minister Alexander Kozlov also made a ceremonial visit to Kim Jong Un, demonstrating the continued strengthening of diplomatic relations between Moscow and the North Korean regime.
This isn’t the first time in recent memory that Russia has sent animals to North Korea.
Earlier this year, Putin gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un 24 pure-bred horses, reportedly as thanks for artillery shells provided by North Korea.
Putin and Kim have strengthened their alliance in recent months as both countries face sanctions from the West.
The Russian president needs support for his war in Ukraine while North Korea needs Russia’s space technology which could aid its missile programme.
Read also: Putin Signs Decree Authorizing Use Of Nuclear Weapons
That burgeoning alliance was on full display in June when Putin visited North Korea and signed an agreement with Kim to protect each other’s nations from “aggression”.
During that visit, Putin gifted Kim with a Russian-made Aurus limousine, tea set and artwork.
Kim Jong Un, known for his love of luxury vehicles, has been spotted in a variety of high-end cars, including a Maybach limousine, several Mercedes models, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and a sleek Lexus sports utility vehicle, reflecting his penchant for automotive opulence.
As a continuation of their burgeoning relationship, Putin gifted Kim an Aurus in February, five months after Kim had toured Russia’s Vostochny space center in the Far East, marking another high-profile exchange between the Russian and North Korean leaders.
