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North Korea and Russia are pushing to swiftly open a new road bridge across the Tumen River, state media KCNA reported on Thursday, as the two nations deepen their burgeoning alliance.
The project, initiated approximately a year ago, is deemed "an important business" by KCNA, designed to bolster bilateral cooperation across tourism, trade, and the movement of people.
The 850-metre (2,789-ft) structure, which will integrate with Russia's highway network, was initially agreed upon during President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea in 2024.
A ceremony marking the joining of the bridge sections was held on Tuesday, according to the Moscow Times.
This new crossing is being constructed close to the existing "Friendship Bridge," a rail link established in 1959 following the Korean War.
While KCNA stated an opening ceremony would occur soon without a specific date, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang indicated on Telegram that the bridge is expected to be completed by 19 June.
open image in gallery Satellite imagery taken on 28 April shows construction site and equipment gathered around Tumen river on both – Russian and North Korean sides – with a nearby helipad also spotted in the area ( Planet Labs PBC )
Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of the Primorsky region in Russia's Far East, wrote on Telegram that the bridge would increase trade and expand cultural and tourism ties.
He said it would cut the distance between Vladivostok and the border city of Rason to 320 kilometres and the crossing would have the capacity to accommodate up to 300 cars per day.
The update came as several Russian delegations visited North Korea this week.
Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev met Jo Yong Won, chairman of the Standing Committee of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly, on Wednesday in what KCNA described as a "favorable atmosphere."
On Wednesday, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko visited the North Korean city of Wonsan to attend a ceremony celebrating the construction of a hospital symbolising the "friendship" between the countries, KCNA said.
open image in gallery Russia and North Korea in 2024 signed a 'comprehensive strategic partnership treaty' during Putin's visit to Pyongyang ( Reuters )
Russia and North Korea in 2024 signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership treaty" during Putin's visit to Pyongyang.
The pact includes a mutual defence provision, and North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces in western Russia's Kursk region after a large Ukrainian incursion.
China has also been seeking to strengthen cross-border infrastructure and rebuild ties with North Korea and last month saw the first passenger train service between the countries resume after a six-year gap.