Putin and Kim exchange gifts of limousine, tea set and ‘busts’ in North Korea

A Russian-made limousine, tea set and artwork are among the gifts exchanged by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.

Mr Putin was welcomed to North Korea with a lavish ceremony marking his first visit to the country in almost a quarter of a century.

He was met with smiles and hugs from leader Mr Kim, while stallions, balloons and huge posters of the two leaders adorned the surrounding buildings in Pyongyang, with a tea party and gala concert to come.

Mr Putin, who had one-to-one talks with Mr Kim which lasted around two hours, gave the North Korean leader a luxury Aurus limousine, Russian state media reported, citing Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

The two heads of state were pictured taking a spin in an Aurus, with Mr Putin behind the wheel – but it was unclear whether it was the car Mr Kim had been given this time round.

Back in February, Mr Putin gifted Mr Kim another of the Russian-made Auruses – a sedan of the type used by Mr Putin himself. It was delivered to North Korea in violation of UN sanctions.

It is not clear which model he has given Mr Kim this time.

Mr Kim is believed to be a car enthusiast and to have a collection of luxury foreign vehicles.

He has been seen in a Maybach limousine, several Mercedes, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Lexus sports utility vehicle.