Russia and North Korea Open Their First Road Bridge

Russia and North Korea have opened their first road bridge, a crossing over the border river Tumen that Moscow says will deepen bilateral ties and stimulate trade.

The opening marks what Russia’s state-run TASS news agency described as a milestone in the partnership between the two countries. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin addressed the ceremony by video link and said expanded cross-border transport infrastructure would give new momentum to cooperation in the economy, science, technology and culture.

He also said the bridge could strengthen tourism and create new jobs. The crossing stands near the Friendship Bridge, a railway bridge built in 1959. Russia and North Korea agreed to build the road bridge during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024, and construction began in spring 2025.

The two capitals already have direct rail and air links. Their relationship has drawn closer since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. North Korea supports the Russian military with troops and arms, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said as many as 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be stationed on Russian territory.

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I am convinced that the expansion of cross-border transport infrastructure will give new momentum to cooperation in the economy, science, technology and culture.