During a highly anticipated summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a significant diplomatic incident occurred when Russian officials were reportedly expelled from a meeting room moments before the leaders were scheduled to convene. The incident underscored the meticulous protocol and respect demanded by the North Korean regime.
The summit, which took place in Pyongyang, saw Kim Jong Un presenting Putin with a notable gift of two hunting dogs from the rare Pungsan breed, indigenous to the North Korean mountains. These dogs are known for their hunting prowess and are bred from wolves. In return, Putin gifted Kim Jong Un a luxurious Russian-made Aurus limousine, a vehicle favored by the Kremlin.
The exchange of gifts was notable not only for its symbolic gesture but also because it potentially violated United Nations sanctions imposed on North Korea. Resolution 2397, passed in December 2017, prohibits the supply of luxury items to North Korea, yet Putin's gift of the Aurus limousine could be seen as a breach of these sanctions.
Tensions escalated further when Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, along with other top officials, were abruptly asked to leave the meeting room by North Korean officials. The reason cited was a breach of protocol, as the Russian delegation entered the room before Kim Jong Un, which is considered a serious offense in North Korean diplomatic etiquette.
Video footage captured the tense moment when the Russian ministers were instructed to leave, despite their objections. The incident highlighted the strict adherence to protocol demanded by the North Korean regime and the ensuing diplomatic awkwardness faced by the Russian delegation.
Despite these diplomatic hiccups, Putin's visit to North Korea, his first in 24 years, was marked by discussions on a new military pact between the two nations. While the details of the agreement were not disclosed, there are concerns that it could involve arms exchanges that might impact international security dynamics, particularly amidst ongoing conflicts involving Russia.