Russia and North Korea will soon begin construction of a road bridge over the Tumen River, which will connect the two countries. This was announced by the Russian Ambassador to Pyongyang, Alexander Matsegora, quoted by "Reuters" and RIA Novosti, reports News.bg.
The construction of the bridge was agreed upon during President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea in 2024, when the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
The new facility will be built near the existing railway "Friendship Bridge", which has been in operation since 1959 after the Korean War. There was a wooden bridge across the border in the early 20th century, but it was destroyed.
"Construction of the bridge has not yet begun," Matsegora said. He added that the countries are currently carrying out preparatory work, finalizing the design documentation and forming construction teams and columns of equipment.
The road bridge, which has been discussed for years, will be 850 meters long and will connect to the Russian highway system.
On March 5, South Korean satellite image analysis company SI Analytics reported that work on the bridge's foundations and road connections appears to have begun.
"With the rapid construction of this bridge, along with the existing railway facility, which is currently the only connection between North Korea and Russia, a sharp increase in economic, social and military exchanges is expected," the report said. At the same time, it warns that this could lead to a gradual erosion of the effectiveness of international sanctions against North Korea and Russia.