Putin gets red carpet treatment from Kim

VLADIMIR Putin was given a red carpet welcome as he visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years.

- Mark Reynolds

Russia's president was all smiles as he hugged fellow dictator Kim Jong Un and praised him for "firmly supporting" Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Putin was three hours late, arriving in the capital Pyongyang after midnight, but was greeted by Kim in a choreographed show of unity between the two pariah nations.

Kim said he "fully supports" the invasion and the two leaders signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership said to be aimed at helping each other in the event of "aggression".

Putin, 71, said it included a mutual defence clause, adding that "Russia does not rule out" developing military-technical co-operation as well.

Kim, 40, called Russia "the most honest friend and ally" as the pair drove through Pyongyang, waving from the sunroof of a black limo, after watching a 10-minute show of massed dances and singing plus a military ensemble's 21-gun salute.