Putin enjoys red carpet welcome in North Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin enjoyed a red carpet welcome, a military ceremony and an embrace from North Korea's Kim Jong Un during a state visit Wednesday to Pyongyang where they both pledged to forge closer ties.

Kim hailed a "new era" in relations as he began summit talks with Putin, who in turn thanked his host for backing Russia's war in Ukraine.

"We very much appreciate your systematic and permanent support of Russian policy, including on the Ukrainian issue," Putin said, according to Russian state media.

After a welcoming ceremony in Kim Il Sung square, featuring a military band and mass synchronised dancing, Putin also invited his host to visit Russia.

Kim had earlier greeted Putin at the airport, with the pair hugging on a red carpet, underscoring the deepening relationship that has sparked concern in Seoul and Washington.

The United States and its allies have accused North Korea of providing ammunition and missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine, and there are worries Putin's visit will lead to further military deliveries.

Putin said at the start of Wednesday's talks a "new foundation document" was ready to be signed that would set the framework for relations in the long term, as Kim spoke glowingly of the allies' ties.

"Relations between our countries are entering a new era of blossoming, which cannot be compared even with the period of Korean-Soviet relations of the last century," Kim said, according to Russian news agencies.

The summit is their second meeting in a year, after Kim took his bulletproof train to Russia's far east last September for a summit with Putin at a space port.

Experts have warned the trip is likely to focus on defense ties, although the leaders are expected to...