Russian President Vladimir Putin gave North Korean leader Kim Jong-un an Aurus limousine in which the two leaders took turns to drive each other around in a carefully planned public relations stunt to show the world their close relationship.

An interesting question is: will Kim use the limousine again knowing that Putin was Russia's spy chief before taking over from Boris Yeltsin to begin his perpetual leadership of the country?

Putin has concluded his first visit to Pyongyang in 25 years and, by now, Kim may have already ordered his security team to scan the car for bugs that may have been planted by the Russians to eavesdrop on Kim's conversations inside the car.

Kim may be fat but he is not foolish. It is likely that the vehicle will be left in the garage as no security check can claim to be 100 percent foolproof.

Such imagery may offer the most appropriate illustration to describe the alliance that the two countries have been trying to build - both Putin and Kim know they need each other as much as they need Beijing.

Putin needs trainloads of bullets and shells from Kim to replenish his war machine to keep his invasion of Ukraine going.

In return, Kim wants rocket and nuclear technology from Putin to upgrade his missiles and nuclear program so that he can further his nuclear capability.

Ukraine said earlier this year that Russia had used North Korean-made ballistic missiles to attack targets in the country. If true, this would serve the interests of both leaders as, while Putin wanted firepower, Kim could test his missiles in a real battle environment.

In one of the latest developments, Putin was reported to have asked Kim to send over a number of North Koreans to man factories as Russian factory workers were taken to the front lines from where many will never return home.

As Putin and Kim embraced each other forcefully, it was evident that they were at the same time careful when they met not to upset their relationships with China, knowing it is the big power in the region.

The reaction from the United States and Europe surprised no one. As they voiced concerns over the military pact reached by Putin and Kim, the development also gives them a further reason to step up military readiness.

The military pact would see Russia and North Korea offer each other "mutual assistance in the event of aggression" against one of them, according to Russian media.

The various blocs of rival powers are taking shape, which will continue to cause global tensions to rise, leaving no one unaffected.

Putin's historic visit to Kim's own court was truly colorful.

In addition to the Russian and North Korean flags, the Kim Il Sung square in the middle of Pyongyang was adorned with huge portraits of the two leaders.

As the welcome ceremony began, Putin and Kim walked into the square to the fanatic cheers of a large crowd clothed in eye-catching red, white and blue - the colors of the Russian flag.

It was as colorful as a traditional wedding event. If anything, it is also a marriage of political convenience for the moment.

Something bugging Kim over Putin gift?