Construction of First Road Bridge Initiated: Collaboration Between Russia and North Korea
Building Bridges Across Iron Curtains:
The construction of a new road bridge on the Tumen River, shared by Russia and North Korea, is underway, marking a significant step in their burgeoning partnership.
Announcing the project on Wednesday, Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin highlighted that this infrastructure development will bring about cost reduction in transportation, promote trade, and foster tourism.
Highlighting the Significance
During a video meeting with Pak Thae-song, chairman of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly, Mishustin declared, "This is a monumental milestone for Russian-Korean relations." He further explained, "Beyond mere engineering, it symbolizes our shared ambitions to strengthen friendly ties and boost regional cooperation."
The existing, aging rail bridge across the Tumen River has been in place for some time. Mishustin believes that an additional road will enable entrepreneurs to significantly increase the volume of transport goods and reduce costs, opening up new prospects for the tourism industry.
According to Russian newspaper Kommersant, the bridge is scheduled for completion by mid-2026.
A Symbol of Enduring Friendship
Russian state television broadcast footage from the construction site, featuring North Koreans dressed in suits standing in line during a ceremony to mark the start of the project. Pak Thae-song, chairman of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly, expressed that the bridge would become an "eternal historical monument symbolizing the unbreakable Korean-Russian friendship."
The governor of Russia's Primorye region, Oleg Kozhemyako, who attended the ceremony, anticipates that the bridge will enhance contact between the nations, particularly involving sportspeople and children.
A Strong Alliance in Difficult Times
Sanctioned by the international community, North Korea and Russia often choose to lean on each other during trying times. North Korea's continued support for Russia's war in Ukraine is no exception. According to South Korean lawmakers, around 600 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives during the conflict. Additionally, Pyongyang is accused of supplying Russia with heavy weapons, including a missile that claimed the lives of a dozen people in Kyiv last week.
In 2023, Putin signed a strategic partnership with Pyongyang, committing both nations to offering immediate military assistance to each other in the event of aggression. Putin has even praised the North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine, and there have been rumors suggesting that they might parade on Red Square during World War II commemorations on May 9.
- The breaking news about the construction of a new road bridge on the Tumen River between Russia and North Korea signifies a significant policy-and-legislation milestone in their relationship.
- The sports sector is expected to benefit from the new Tumen River road bridge, as an increased volume of transport goods and reduced costs may open up new prospects for the tourism industry.
- Politics play a critical role in the close relationship shared by Russia and North Korea, with North Korea offering unwavering support for Russia during tough times, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Ready to foster stronger ties, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly chairman, Pak Thae-song, have declared the Tumen River bridge a symbol of their enduring friendship.
- In addition to enhancing trade and transportation, the Tumen River bridge is also seen as a crucial instrument for bolstering cultural exchange, particularly in the realm of sports and among younger generations.
