INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
President Vladimir Putin gifted more than 70 animals from the Moscow Zoo toNorth Korea, Russias Natural Resources Ministry said Wednesday,
marking the 4th such exchange in between the 2 countries up until now this year.The animals, that included 2 brown bears, 2 yaks, 5 white
cockatoos, 25 pheasants, and 40 mandarin ducks, were transferred to Pyongyangs Central Zoo, according to the ministry.Animals have
historically played an important role in global relations, serving as symbols of support, compassion and care, Natural Resources Minister
Alexander Kozlov said throughout a check out to Pyongyang this week.Video shared by state media revealed an African lion being carried in a
crate by plane, with Kozlov talking about the animals move with North Korean authorities at the Pyongyang Zoo.In April, the Moscow
Zoodonated over 40 animals, including eagles, pythons, parrots and fruit bats, to North Korea.Another shipment in August included24 Orlov
Trotters, a breed of pure-blooded horses appreciated by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for their distinct white coats
Western media recommended the horses may have been used as deposit for North Korean weapons shells.Kim, in his turn, gifted Putin a pair of
Pungsan searching pets during a check out in June that saw the two leaders sign a defense arrangement
Experts have compared these exchanges to Chinas zoo diplomacy, which utilizes animal presents to boost international relations.The deepening
ties in between Russia and North Korea have raised issues as the 2 nations strengthen military cooperation following the major invasion of
