SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea early on Wednesday, after saying the two countries want to cooperate closely to overcome U.S.-led sanctions in the face of intensifying confrontations with Washington.

Putin was met at Pyongyangs airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un . They shook hands and embraced, and Kim later joined Putin in his car to personally guide him to Pyongyangs Kumsusan State Guest House, North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said. The agency described their meeting as a historic event that demonstrates the invincibility and durability of the two nations friendship and unity.

Putin, making his first trip to North Korea in 24 years, said in comments that appeared in its state media hours before he landed that he appreciates the countrys firm support of his military actions in Ukraine . The Kremlin launched a full-scale invasion of the neighboring country in 2022.

He said the countries would continue to resolutely oppose what he described as Western ambitions to hinder the establishment of a multipolar world order based on justice, mutual respect for sovereignty, considering each others interests.