BEIJING — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Beijing, underscoring the growing relationship between the two nations.

The leaders were in China to attend a parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender, a symbolic event highlighting shared historical narratives and regional alliances.

“We should make efforts to strengthen our cooperation,” Kim told Putin, according to state media.

The meeting comes as both North Korea and Russia face heightened tensions with the West — Pyongyang over its weapons program, and Moscow over its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Analysts note that deepening cooperation between the two countries could reshape geopolitical dynamics in Asia.