Putin lands in Pyongyang, first visit to North Korea since 2000.

(Patria) - Russian President Vladimir Putin landed yesterday in the capital of North Korea, Pyongyang, officially beginning his first visit to the country in 24 years.

Putin's delegation includes Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the heads of the Russian space agency.

The Russian president last visited Pyongyang in July 2000, at the beginning of his presidential career.

The country was then led by Kim Jong Il, who died in 2011 and was succeeded by his son Kim Jong Un.

The two leaders are expected to use this visit to showcase the increasingly strong ties between Russia and North Korea.

Putin's policy advisor Yuri Ushakov also signaled that the two countries might sign a security partnership.