Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea on Tuesday, the Kremlin announced, intensifying Western concerns about growing military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang.

The Russian president’s “friendly state visit” on 18-19 June marks his first trip to the neighbouring country in 24 years.

Putin is set to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, their second meeting in less than nine months. The leaders are strengthening ties, driven by mutual interests in opposing the West and Russia’s need for support in the Ukraine war.

Putin’s visit is anticipated to solidify the alliance. In an article for the Rodong Sinmun, he thanked North Korea for its “unwavering support” in Ukraine and declared readiness to confront the “collective West.” He highlighted the advancement of their partnership and the development of alternative trade mechanisms independent of Western control.

Russia, Putin stated, has “incessantly supported” North Korea and will continue to do so against US “economic pressure, provocations, blackmailing, and military threats.”

Putin is expected to receive a grand welcome in Pyongyang, with satellite images showing preparations for a large parade. He will stay at the Kumsusan guesthouse and attend a concert and visit an orthodox church.

Accompanying Putin are Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

The White House expressed concern over the deepening Moscow-Pyongyang ties, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby highlighting the issue rather than the visit itself.

Kim Jong-un recently boasted about increased munitions production, showcasing ballistic missiles. The US and its allies have accused North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia in exchange for food, fuel, foreign currency, and support for its military satellite programme.

At the G7 summit in Italy, leaders condemned the increasing military cooperation between the nations, especially North Korea’s alleged missile exports to Russia. Both countries deny the accusations.

Putin’s visit follows Kim’s September trip to Russia, where he toured sensitive facilities and received an Aurus Senat limousine from Putin, violating a UN luxury goods embargo.