Soon after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hugs Russian Vladimir Putin Upon arrival at Pyongyang airport, the two leaders shared their “innermost thoughts” and agreed to develop their countries’ relations, North Korean state media reported.

Putin, who arrived before dawn, is doing his thing first trip to the capital of North Korea in 24 yearsa visit that will likely change decades of relations between Russia and North Korea.

The association between both countries is “an engine for accelerating construction new multipolar worldand Putin’s visit demonstrates invincibility and the longevity of their friendship and unity, North Korean state news agency KCNA said.

Russia and North Korea strengthen ties

Russia has used its strong ties with North Korea to embarrass Washington, while North Korea has received political support and promises of economic support and trade from Moscow.

Kim greeted Putin, shaking his hand, hugging him and speaking next to the Russian leader’s plane.

They then rode in the same limousine to the Geumsusan State Guesthouse.

“Walking through the charmingly lit streets of Pyongyang at night, the top leaders exchanged their innermost thoughts and opened their minds to a safer development of relations between the DPRK and Russia,” KCNA reported, using the initials of North Korea’s official name.

Putin and Kim’s agenda

The agenda of Putin and Kim includes individual negotiations between the leaders of the two countries, as well as a gala concert, a state reception, a guard of honor, and the signing of documents.

As well as a statement for the media, as reported by the Russian Interfax agency, citing Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov.

In a sign that Russia, a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council, is rethinking its entire approach to North Korea, Putin praised Pyongyang ahead of his visit for resisting what he called economic pressure, blackmail and threats from the United States.