Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea on June 19, marking his first visit in 24 years. The visit aimed to strengthen economic and security relations with the secretive nuclear-armed nation and offer support amid tensions with the United States. Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un exchanged greetings, embracing warmly beside Putin`s aircraft upon its landing in Pyongyang around 2:45 a.m., following a stopover in Russia`s far east. The leaders later shared a ride in the same limousine and walked together into Putin`s hotel, symbolizing a renewed diplomatic engagement between the two nations.