SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea and Russia have initiated the construction of their first road link, marking a significant development in their increasingly strong bilateral relations. The two countries announced the construction of a bridge over a border river, heralding it as a crucial step toward bolstering their connectivity.
According to Russia's Tass news agency, the bridge will measure 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in length, with projected construction set to last for one and a half years. North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the bridge aims to facilitate cross-border travel for people, promote tourism, and enhance the flow of commodities between the two nations.
In recent years, the relationship between North Korea and Russia has been flourishing, characterized by various exchange programs. Notably, North Korea has supplied ammunition and troops to assist Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. This growing military collaboration underlines the strengthening ties between the two countries.
Currently, there exists one railway bridge and air service connecting North Korea and Russia. In June 2024, the two nations agreed to construct a second bridge for automobile traffic over the Tumen River, which delineates North Korea's borders with both Russia and China. This initiative underscores their commitment to deepening bilateral infrastructure links.
On Thursday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held simultaneously in the respective border cities of North Korea and Russia, attended by North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin via video link. Premier Pak stated that the bridge's construction would become a "historic monument" in the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin emphasized the significance of the bridge, calling it "a big milestone for Russian-Korean relations." He asserted that this project would lay a "reliable basis for closer cooperation" and foster an "open and fruitful dialogue" between the two nations.
In a related development, North Korea recently confirmed that it had dispatched combat troops to Russia to aid in reclaiming parts of the Kursk region that were previously captured by Ukrainian forces during an operational incursion last year. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude toward North Korea and acknowledged the sacrifices made by North Korean soldiers in support of Russian efforts.
A South Korean government intelligence report, shared with lawmakers on Wednesday, estimated that North Korea has sent around 15,000 soldiers to Russia, with approximately 4,700 reported as either killed or wounded in the conflict. In exchange for its provision of conventional arms, Russia has reportedly provided North Korea with air defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones, and technology relevant to spy satellite launches.
This burgeoning partnership raises questions about the geopolitical landscape in the region and the implications of their growing military and economic ties. As North Korea and Russia continue their collaborative efforts, international observers will be closely monitoring the evolving dynamics between these two nations.
