Kim was presented with flowers and welcomed by officials before making a speech where he praised the development of “long-standing strategic relations” between the two countries.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that North Korea's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war was justified. He referred to it as the exercise of sovereign rights to defend the fraternal nation, according to Reuters.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war was justified, calling it an exercise of sovereign rights in defence of a “brother nation,” state media KCNA reported on Saturday.