Russia gifts 70 animals to North Korea in growing alliance
Photo: Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un (kremlin.ru)
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent gifts to his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un. These gifts included more than 70 animals of various species, Moscow Times reports.
According to the news agency, the Central Zoo of Pyongyang received more than 70 animals from Putin. The gift was personally delivered by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexandr Kozlov during a visit to the capital of North Korea.
It is known that the animals were taken from the Moscow Zoo and transported to North Korea by plane.
"An African lion, two brown bears, two domestic yaks, five white cockatoos, 25 pheasants of various species, and 40 mandarin ducks will now live in the North Korean zoo," the Russian ministry clarified.
Interestingly, according to Kozlov, this cooperation represents "a new milestone in the interaction" between the two countries. He believes that Russia and North Korea will now work more closely on issues of veterinary care, rehabilitation, and the reintroduction of rare animal species.
"In interstate relations, animals have historically played an important role: they were given as a sign of support, kindness, and care. Today, I am presenting our Korean friends with a gift from Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin," he said.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Russia has sent animals to North Korea. In April of this year, about 40 birds, including eagles, golden eagles, cranes, parrots, as well as several pythons, were sent to the country.
North Korea's assistance to Russia
North Korea is one of the few countries that openly supports Russia in its war against Ukraine. In particular, North Korea has been supplying military aid to Moscow, including artillery shells and missiles. From August 2023 to January 2024, North Korea is believed to have transferred about 1.6 million artillery shells to Russia.
At that time, the media reported that after the missile shipments, Putin sent Kim Jong-un more than two dozen thoroughbred horses. This was allegedly part of the payment for the artillery shells provided by North Korea.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that North Korea had also sent its military personnel to Russia.
