it is also seen as yet another grand gesture between those two pariah states. it is seen as a sign of appreciation by vladimir putin in a way obliging to the invitation by kimjong un and also appreciating kimjong un unwavering support for russia s war in ukraine since the beginning. the russian president has arrived quite late but has a very busy day ahead of him and expected to attend the parade. also expected to visit the only orthodox church in pyongyang, the trinity life giving orthodox church. these are all chances for the two men to again give the optics and the picture of unity that they still have friends they can rely on. also to see what they can offer each other, each one knows the other has something they want. north korea needs food, needs fuel, needs money. also needs technology that russia can offer. especially satellite technology after it failed to launch its spy satellites in may. russia needs to replenish its depleting stockpile as the war in ukraine goes o
here s the moment the plane arrived with guards waiting and a woman in traditional dress ready to deliver a bouquet of flowers to the visiting russian president. here s mr putin coming down the steps to greet his host, at the bottom there s a handshake, a hug and an air kiss. eventually a woman was seen presenting the flowers to the russian president. there s a slightly awkward bow, but it all seems to go down well. then, after a bit more chit chat, they re off. they ve lots to talk about presumably after some sleep. in the meantime, let s start our analysis of this rare visit with our diplomatic correspondent, paul adams. vladimir putin s first trip to pyongyang in almost a quarter of a century a measure of this relationship s growing importance. a warm welcome from the north korean leader, two men shunned by much of the world, united in defiance of the west, each bearing a shopping list, their embrace a source of deep anxiety in washington. deepening cooperation between r