Kim Jong Un meets Russia defense minister: TASS news agency

This picture taken on September 15, 2023 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 16, 2023 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signing the visit record book at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Yuri Gagarin Aviation Plant, in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, a major industrial city in the Far Eastern Region of the Russia. Photo handout via AFP

"North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived at the Knevichi airfield in Vladivostok," the report said, adding that Kim was greeted by Shoigu and an honor guard.

Kim's rare trip out of his isolated country -- his first official visit abroad since the Covid-19 pandemic began -- has fanned fears among Western countries that Moscow and Pyongyang will strike an arms deal in defiance of sanctions.

Moscow is believed to be interested in buying North Korean ammunition to continue fighting in Ukraine, while Pyongyang wants Russia's help to develop its missile program.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated there were "possibilities" for military cooperation after meeting with Kim, the Kremlin said Friday that no agreements had been signed.