Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea for his first visit to the country since 2000.

The US and South Korea are accusing North Korea of agreeing to supply Russia with weapons, possibly in exchange for food and military aid.

Otago University International Relations Professor Robert Patman says Putin's visit is likely for consolidating military support from North Korea.

"In return, I think North Korea will want Mr Putin to provide advanced technologies, particularly for their space program - but also would want a substantial flow of Russian oil and food products."

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