Putin sends lion, bears to North Korea as diplomatic gesture
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent more than 70 animals from the Moscow Zoo to the Pyongyang Central Zoo in North Korea. The consignment included an African lion, two brown bears, 45 pheasants, two domestic yaks, 40 mandarin ducks and five white cockatoos. The Russian government described this as "a gift from Vladimir Putin to the Korean people."
Animal relocation overseen by Russia's natural resources minister
The relocation of the animals was supervised by Alexander Kozlov, Russia's natural resources minister. The animals were flown by plane under the watch of veterinarians from Moscow Zoo. Photos released by the Russian government show a white cockatoo in a crate and Kozlov visiting the Korean zoo with local officials.
Animal gifts symbolize strengthening Russia-North Korea ties
This gesture of gifting animals comes amid strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea in the wake of the ongoing Ukraine war. Recently, North Korea deployed 10,000 troops to bolster Russian forces. In June, the two nations signed a mutual defense pact under which they would be obliged to assist each other in the event of an attack.
North Korea reciprocates with gifts, signs cooperation protocol
During a visit in June, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had reciprocated Putin's gesture by gifting him a pair of Pungsan dogs, a local breed. The leaders also shared rides in a Russian-built Aurus limousine. On the same day that the animals arrived, both countries signed a protocol on cooperation covering trade, economy, science and technology in Pyongyang.
Russia and North Korea agree to increase charter flights
Russia's Tass news agency reported that both nations agreed to increase charter flights after recent meetings. Between January and September this year, over 5,000 tourists traveled between Russia and North Korea, with more than 70% opting for air travel. This agreement is expected to further boost tourism between the two countries.
