An African lion, two brown bears and 45 pheasants had been among the many over 70 animals Russia despatched to North Korea as a “signal of assist” amid ties between each the nations strengthening through the Ukraine conflict, for which the latter despatched 10,000 troops not too long ago to bolster the Russian forces.
Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s pure sources minister, oversaw the relocation of the animals, which had been transported by air to the Pyongyang Central Zoo of North Korea accompanied by veterinarians from the Moscow Zoo.
“An African lion, two brown bears, two home yaks, 5 white cockatoos, 25 pheasants of varied species and 40 mandarin geese had been transferred from the Moscow Zoo to the Pyongyang Zoo,” information company AFP cited Kozlov’s submit on Telegram.
A video was additionally posted of the animals in cargo bins being unloaded off a authorities plane. One other clip confirmed the lion in its new enclosure on the Pyongyang Zoo.
“Traditionally, animals at all times have performed a particular position in relations between states. They’ve been given as an indication of assist, kindness and care,” he mentioned.
Putin-Kim camaraderie
Putin beforehand gifted North Korea’s Supreme Chief Kim Jong Un 24 purebred horses, recognized to be latter’s favorite, and obtained a pair of native canines as return present.
Earlier this 12 months, Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defence pact that binds them to supply rapid navy help if the opposite is invaded. Each Russia and North Korea are underneath heavy Western sanctions.
Japan additionally not too long ago conveyed “severe issues” to China’s overseas minister over North Korea’s deepening ties with Russia after the pair held talks in Beijing.
“Relating to present occasions on the Korean Peninsula, cooperation between Russia and the DPRK got here up as a subject of debate,” Takeo Akiba informed reporters earlier this month at a press briefing, utilizing the acronym of North Korea’s official identify.
“I conveyed our nation’s severe issues about this,” he added after the talks with Wang Yi.
