Russia, North Korea Begin Construction of First Road Bridge, Signifying Closer Ties

Russia and North Korea have commenced construction of their first-ever road bridge across the Tumen River, which serves as the natural border between the two countries, Al Jazeera reports.

Officials from both nations describe the project as a symbol of their deepening partnership and increased cooperation.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who stated that the bridge will reduce transport costs, facilitate trade, and promote tourism between the two allied nations.

“This is truly a milestone for Russian-Korean relations,” Mishustin said during a video meeting with Pak Thae-song, chairman of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly. “The significance goes far beyond just an engineering task … it symbolises our common desire to strengthen friendly, good-neighbourly relations and increase interregional cooperation.”

Currently, a rusting Soviet-era rail bridge is the only link across the Tumen River. Mishustin noted that the new road bridge will allow entrepreneurs to significantly increase the volume of transported goods, reduce transport costs, and offer promising opportunities for tourism.

According to Russia’s Kommersant newspaper, the construction of the bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

Russian state television broadcast footage from the construction site, showcasing North Koreans in formal attire attending a ceremony marking the commencement of the project.

“It will become an eternal historical memorial structure symbolising the unbreakable Korean-Russian friendly relations,” Pak Thae-song stated, as translated by Russian media.

Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Russia’s Primorye region, who attended the ceremony, expressed hope that the bridge will further enhance contact between the two countries.

The construction of the bridge comes as both North Korea and Russia, two of the most heavily sanctioned countries globally, have strengthened their alliance amidst the war in Ukraine.

Pyongyang has consistently voiced strong support for Russia’s effort and has sent troops to fight alongside Russian forces.

Kyiv has also accused North Korea of supplying Russia with heavy weaponry, including missiles allegedly used in attacks on Ukrainian cities, ommiting the fact that it has been using the substantial military aid from the West since the start of the conflict.

Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a strategic partnership agreement, committing both countries to provide immediate military assistance to each other using “all means” necessary if either faces “aggression.” Putin has praised the contributions of North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine, and the Kremlin is reportedly considering including them in the World War II commemorations on Red Square on May 9.