Russian President Vladimir Putin received a warm welcome in North Korea on Tuesday night as he embarked on his first visit to the authoritarian state in 24 years. Upon arrival, Mr. Putin was greeted by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and the two engaged in lively discussions for several minutes while flanked by a military honor guard. Their last meeting took place in September at Russia's Vostochny cosmodrome, but this marks Mr. Putin's initial journey to Pyongyang since the year 2000.