Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to North Korea next Tuesday, the Kremlin confirmed, following an invitation from its leader Kim Jong Un.

Last week, sources had hinted that the visit was imminent, and satellite images showed apparent preparations underway in North Korea before confirmation even came. The Kremlin described the event as a “friendly state visit”.

But the question is why is it so important to visit at this given time?

The BBC in its detailed report answers this question by saying that firstly there is a natural curiosity given that it will be only the second time Putin has visited North Korea – the first was in 2000 at the start of his presidential career, when Kim’s father, Kim Jong-Il, was still supreme leader.

But beyond that, this is a relationship that (although not at the levels enjoyed by the Soviet Union) has now turned from mutual pleasure to mutual benefit, which has particularly worried the West.

The Kremlin has argued that there is scope for “very deep relations” between Russia and North Korea, and while it said this should concern no one, it advised those thinking of questioning the developing relationship between the two countries to think again.

There is much speculation as to exactly what the two sides want from each other. And they seem to sum up in security of supply. Russia is likely looking for ammunition, construction workers and even volunteers to fight in Ukraine on the front lines, says political scientist and Putin ally Sergei Markov. In response, Pyongyang could receive Russian products, as well as technological assistance for military purposes, including its long-range missile program, to finally be within striking distance of the US, Markov adds.

A recent Bloomberg report, citing South Korea’s defense ministry, said North Korea has sent nearly five million artillery shells to Russia.

So finding a partner with whom they share a strong and mutual disdain for the West, with both facing sanctions and thus a partner to trade with, is an important point for Russia.

However, there may even be a real friendship between the two leaders, albeit cautious and businesslike. Last February, Putin gifted Kim a luxury Russian limousine (in violation of UN sanctions).

Kim said in a recent message to President Putin, Kim that North Korea is an “invincible co-belligerent” with Russia.

So it is obvious that North Korea is now more valuable to isolated Russia – and North Korea, for its part, “sees” that Moscow needs friends. So by visiting North Korea, Putin may just show his critics that he can – and will – do whatever he wants, comments the BBC

When President Putin finally boards his plane to Pyongyang, he knows these images will travel around the world and leave no doubt that he is willing to do business and politics with partners of his choosing.