North Korea and Russia are moving forward with plans to complete a new road bridge connecting both nations across the Tumen River, according to reports from North Korean state media KCNA released Thursday.
The bridge construction project, which started approximately one year ago, represents what KCNA called “an important business” designed to enhance cooperation between the countries in areas including tourism, commerce, and cross-border travel.
The 850-meter span, equivalent to 2,789 feet, will link directly to Russia’s highway network. This infrastructure project received approval during President Vladimir Putin’s 2024 diplomatic visit to North Korea.
A ceremonial event took place Tuesday to commemorate the physical connection of the bridge structure, according to reporting by the Moscow Times.
The new crossing is being constructed adjacent to the existing “Friendship Bridge,” a railway span that has operated since 1959 following the end of the Korean War.
While KCNA announced that an official opening celebration will occur in the near future, no specific date was provided. However, Russia’s embassy in Pyongyang indicated through Telegram that the bridge completion is scheduled for June 19.
Oleg Kozhemyako, who serves as governor of Russia’s Far East Primorsky region, shared via Telegram that the bridge will enhance commercial activity and strengthen cultural and tourism connections. He noted the structure will reduce the travel distance between Vladivostok and the border city of Rason to 320 kilometers, with daily capacity for up to 300 vehicles.
This development coincides with multiple Russian diplomatic delegations visiting North Korea during the current week.
Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev conducted a meeting Wednesday with Jo Yong Won, who chairs the Standing Committee of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly. KCNA characterized the discussion as occurring in a “favorable atmosphere.”
Additionally, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko traveled Tuesday to the North Korean coastal city of Wonsan for a ceremony marking the construction of a medical facility that represents the “friendship” between both nations, according to KCNA.
The two countries established a “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” in 2024 during Putin’s trip to Pyongyang.
This agreement contains mutual defense clauses, and North Korea has deployed thousands of military personnel to support Russian forces in the Kursk region of western Russia following a significant Ukrainian military operation in that area.
Meanwhile, China has also pursued stronger cross-border infrastructure and renewed diplomatic ties with North Korea, with passenger rail service between those countries resuming last month after a six-year suspension.
