During his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with a top-of-the-line Russian-made limousine, the Aurus.
On the 19th, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that Putin and Kim signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement after a one-on-one meeting.
While the specifics of this agreement were not disclosed, it is speculated that Putin promised substantial economic support to North Korea during this visit.
Notably, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov reported that Putin gifted Kim with a top-of-the-line Russian-made limousine, the Aurus, a tea set, and a naval officer’s dagger. Putin had previously gifted this car to Kim in February.
The license plate of this Aurus reads 7 27 1953, which appears to commemorate the date of the ceasefire agreement of the Korean War, July 27, 1953.
On the 19th, Kim (right) and Putin drive near the Kumsusan Palace in Pyongyang in a Russian-made limousine, the Aurus. AP News.
After the meeting, Putin and Kim drove the Aurus around the guesthouse, showcasing their camaraderie.
In a video released by foreign media, Putin is first seen driving with Kim at his side. Then, they stroll through a rose-filled garden with only their interpreters. After the walk, Kim takes the wheel of the Aurus and drives back to Putin’s accommodation.
The Aurus, often called the Russian version of Rolls-Royce, is a luxury car brand used as a state car for foreign dignitaries. Depending on the options, the Aurus Senate model is known to sell for between 40 million and 80 million rubles (approximately $420,000-840,000) in Russia.
However, gifting Kim a luxury car would violate the UN Security Council’s sanctions against North Korea. This is prohibited under Resolution 2397, adopted by the Security Council in December 2017.
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