Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit North Korea for the first time in 24 years, with the visit scheduled for Tuesday. During his visit, Putin will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang for talks expected to cover various issues, including security. The two leaders last met in Vladivostok, Russia, in September.

The Kremlin describes the visit as a “friendly state visit,” and Russian media suggest that a partnership agreement may be signed. Events on the itinerary include a parade in Kim Il Sung Square, a concert, and a visit to the Orthodox Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Pyongyang. Putin will stay at the Kumsusan guesthouse, previously used by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Putin will be accompanied by several officials, including his new defense minister, Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. In statements ahead of the visit, Putin praised North Korea for its support of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and expressed a desire to build trade and security systems independent of Western control.

The visit has raised concerns in the United States, with White House and State Department officials expressing unease over the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea. Washington and Seoul have accused Pyongyang of supplying Moscow with military equipment, allegations that both North Korea and Russia deny.

Following his visit to North Korea, Putin is expected to travel to Vietnam to discuss trade and other issues with the communist state.