Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s paramount leader Kim Jong Un shake hands Wednesday prior to their talks in Pyongyang, North Korea. Photo: VCG

Kim welcomes Putin at Pyongyang International Airport on Wednesday. Photo: VCG

Kim walks with Putin at the Kumsusan State Guest House in Pyongyang. Photo: VCG

Kim talks with Putin. Photo: VCG

Kim and Putin walk past an honor guard at Pyongyang International Airport. Photo: VCG

A convoy escorts Kim and Putin on Wednesday in Pyongyang. Photo: VCG

People at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, sit near a television showing a news broadcast about Putin’s visit to their neighbor. Photo: VCG

A banner of Putin hangs on a building in Pyongyang on Tuesday. Photo: VCG

Putin walks with then-North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (R) in North Korea in July 2000. Photo: Korean Central News Agency