Russia and North Korea deepen relations with symbolic road bridge

The first road bridge connecting Russia and North Korea has been opened, forging a symbolic link between the pair.

The first flag-adorned trucks made their way across the one-kilometre (0.6-mile) two-lane ⁠bridge spanning the Tumen River on Monday.

The two countries, which previously were only connected by air and rail routes, announced that the link marks an important milestone in their relations, which have grown considerably stronger since Russia launched its war on Ukraine.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korea’s Premier Pak Thae-song tuned in by video link to address workers and government officials from both countries.

The Russian official said that up to 300 vehicles would be able to cross every day and that the bridge would be linked to Russia’s federal road network.

“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,” said Mishustin.

Trucks would begin to use the bridge immediately to transport cargo, the Russian government said. At the ⁠end of this year, the bridge would be fully operational and could ⁠be used for passenger traffic, too.

Construction of the new bridge, which had been under discussion for years, began in April last year after being agreed during a visit by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to North Korea in 2024.