In a significant development for international relations, North Korea and Russia have initiated the construction of their inaugural road connection. This project involves erecting a bridge across a border river, as declared by both nations, marking a milestone in their rapidly growing alliance.
The construction of this bridge, estimated to stretch 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in length, is projected to take 1 ½ years to complete, according to reports from Russian media outlets. The North Korean state news agency detailed that this bridge would enhance cross-border interactions, including the movement of individuals, tourism, and goods.
The ties between North Korea and Russia have been strengthening recently, with North Korea providing arms and manpower to aid Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, since February 2024, North Korea has been welcoming Russian tourists, as pandemic restrictions gradually lessen, although group tours from China—a significant source of tourism before the pandemic—have not yet resumed.
Throughout 2023, China dominated North Korea’s trade activities, accounting for 97% of its external trade, while Russia held just over 1%. There exist multiple road and rail connections facilitating transit across the extensive border shared by North Korea and China, as highlighted by South Korean authorities.
While a railway bridge and air travel already link North Korea and Russia, the two nations reached an agreement in June 2024 for a new bridge to accommodate vehicles over the Tumen River, which borders both Russia and China alongside North Korea. Both countries celebrated the commencement of construction on this bridge through ceremonies held in their respective border regions, as conveyed by state media.
North Korea’s Premier Pak Thae Song, despite attending virtually, lauded the bridge as a “historic monument” in fostering bilateral relations. Mikhail Mishustin, the Russian Prime Minister, echoed this sentiment, recognizing the bridge as a vital step forward in Russian-Korean cooperation, establishing a conduit for fruitful diplomacy.
In a recent revelation, North Korea confirmed that it dispatched combat troops to support Russia’s efforts in reclaiming territories within the Kursk region after a Ukrainian incursion that stunned many last year. Expressing gratitude, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised North Korean soldiers’ contributions to the conflict. Intelligence assessments from South Korea suggest that North Korea sent approximately 15,000 troops to Russia, with the casualty figures amounting to 4,700. In exchange for military support, Russia provided North Korea with various armaments and technological advancements, including air defense systems and satellite-related technology.