In a gesture of camaraderie, Russian President Vladimir Putin bestowed upon North Korean leader Kim Jong-un a luxury car manufactured in Russia, as confirmed by Kremlin on Tuesday.
The vehicle, identified as the Russian-made Aurus Senat, was presented to Kim Jong-un by Putin himself, symbolising the strengthening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow.
North Korean state news agency KCNA reported the receipt of the gift, highlighting the personal delivery to key officials of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. Kim Yo Jong, sister of the North Korean leader, conveyed her brother’s gratitude to Putin.
While specifics regarding the model of the car remain undisclosed, the exchange aligns with a UN Security Council resolution prohibiting the provision of luxury items to North Korea.
Putin also drives the Aurus Senat Limousine, which was developed in 2018 as his official vehicle, and is the first president of Russia. Aurus Senat was custom-made for Putin, and the project was codenamed “Cortege’.
The vehicle, which many say is modelled on a Rolls-Royce Phantom luxury sedan, measures 5631 mm from nose to tail and weighs 2700 kg, but Putin’s Senat stretches to 6700mm. It also includes bulletproof armour, reinforced glass, bomb-resistant underfloor protection, and solid ‘run-flat’ rubber tyres. The car boasts a secure-line communication system, integrated “offensive” weapons, and a self-contained oxygen supply.
Kim, on the other hand, is believed to own a wealthy collection of high-end cars and has been spotted travelling in luxury models including the Mercedes-Maybach S600, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and Lexus LX 570.
The luxury car gift serves as a tangible symbol of the evolving relationship between Russia and North Korea, marking yet another chapter in their diplomatic engagement.
