North Korea and Russia Open First Road Bridge Across Tumen River

North Korea and Russia have opened their first road bridge across the Tumen River, marking a new development in their increasingly close strategic relationship, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported.

The bridge connects the two countries near the existing Friendship Bridge, a railway crossing that began operating in 1959 following the Korean War. Russia and North Korea already maintain direct air and rail connections.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the new bridge could support economic development, tourism and job creation in both countries.

He said the expansion of cross-border transport infrastructure would provide further momentum to trade and cooperation in economic, scientific, technological and cultural fields, according to TASS.

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Construction of the bridge began in April 2025 after the project was agreed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024. The plan had been discussed between the two countries for several years.

The opening comes as Moscow and Pyongyang have significantly strengthened their ties since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

North Korea has provided military support to Russia, including sending thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region, according to reports, after Ukrainian forces launched an incursion there in 2024.

The new road link is expected to provide an additional route for cross-border movement and could further deepen economic and logistical ties between Russia and North Korea.