In his private armoured train, Mr Kim arrived at the Vostochny space center on Wednesday.

It was later reported that Mr Putin and Pyongyang discussed “possibilities” for military cooperation.

According to the US, Moscow is trying to purchase weapons for its war against Ukraine.

Moscow has warned that any support it gives Pyongyang’s satellite programme would violate UN Security Council resolutions.

Putin has also accepted Mr Kim’s invitation to visit North Korea. There have been few visits by heads of state to the closed-off state.

Senior officials from both sanctioned regimes met Wednesday, at a time when their relations with the West are at an all-time low.

After spending two days in Russia’s far east, Mr Kim was warmly welcomed by Mr Putin. Mr Putin personally escorted Mr Kim around the space center after shaking hands with the two leaders.

He welcomed his counterpart with the Russian proverb, “An old friend is better than two new ones”, referencing historical ties between the Soviet Union and North Korea.

In response to a question about whether Russia would assist North Korea in building satellites, Mr Putin said, “this is why we are here at Vostochny Cosmodrome.”.

When asked if he would discuss a weapons deal with Mr Kim, Mr Putin said they would “discuss all topics.”