The construction of the automobile bridge linking North Korea and Russia has entered its final phase, with both sections now connected. This project, initially agreed upon by the North Korean and Russian leaders in 2019, has gained significant momentum amid the recent strengthening of ties between the two nations.
On Thursday, Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s ruling party, reported that the connection of both sections of the North Korea-Russia border automobile bridge was successfully completed on Tuesday. The newspaper emphasized that this project is proceeding in line with agreements made during the North Korea-Russia summit in Pyongyang.
The bridge connects the North Korean city of Rason with the Russian town of Khasan in the Tumen River estuary region. It stems from discussions on expanding transportation and infrastructure cooperation during the summit between Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok in April 2019. However, progress was halted due to border closures necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project was revived in 2023 as North Korea and Russia began to reinforce their relationship. The official decision to start bridge construction was made during the North Korea-Russia summit in 2024, with work commencing last year.
Previously, land connections between North Korea and Russia were limited to the railway linking Khasan and Rajin. This new road connection is expected to significantly increase freight transportation and personnel movement, offering greater flexibility. Rodong Sinmun highlighted the bridge’s importance, describing it as a crucial foundation for economic cooperation that will facilitate personnel exchanges, tourism, and the distribution of goods.
Russian officials had earlier announced on Tuesday that the bridge is scheduled for completion by June 19.