North Korea and Russia open first road bridge, TASS reports

North Korea and Russia have opened their first road bridge, a crossing over the Tumen River that both countries presented as a milestone in their growing strategic partnership.

The bridge stands near the existing Friendship Bridge, a rail link commissioned in 1959 after the Korean War. Russia and North Korea already have direct air and rail connections between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the new infrastructure should encourage development in several areas, including tourism, while creating jobs. Speaking by video link at the opening ceremony, he said, “I am convinced that the expansion of cross-border transport infrastructure will provide a powerful impetus for the further development of trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation.”

The project had been discussed for years. Construction began in April last year after the two countries agreed to build it during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024.

Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have grown closer since the war in Ukraine began in 2022. North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region to help repel a Ukrainian incursion there in 2024.

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I am convinced that the expansion of cross-border transport infrastructure will provide a powerful impetus for the further development of trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation.