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North Korea has described the opening of its first road bridge with Russia as a concrete sign of strengthening ties between the two countries, state media reported on Tuesday.
The bridge, built across the Tumen River along the narrow border between the two countries, is expected to support increased freight and passenger traffic. It adds to existing rail and air connections between the neighbours.
The bridge was officially opened on Monday as Moscow and Pyongyang continue to deepen military and economic cooperation that has expanded since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine in 2022.
North Korean official Pak Thae Song said the completion of the bridge marked an important development that would add fresh momentum to cooperation between the two countries.
“The completion of the bridge is a significant event adding a new dynamic movement to the overall bilateral cooperation,” Thae Song said, according to the official KCNA news agency.
Video released by the Russian government showed trucks from both countries crossing the bridge as crowds gathered along the road applauded.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during a video link at the ceremony that the opening of the first automobile route would further strengthen the connection between the two countries.
a Zaporozhets car crosses the new Russia-North Korea road bridge over the Tumen River, during the opening ceremony. Credit: AFP.
“The launch of the first automobile route will further strengthen the connection between our friendly countries,” Mishustin said.
KCNA said the bridge would provide safe passage for different forms of transport and facilitate the movement of people, describing it as a strengthened infrastructure link supporting economic cooperation between North Korea and Russia.
North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia in 2024 to help repel a Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region, while Kyiv has accused Moscow of using North Korean missiles in its nightly attacks.
The two countries also signed a defence treaty in 2024 that commits them to provide mutual support if either comes under attack.
North Korea restricts most of its citizens from travelling abroad and closely monitors foreign visitors. Russian tourism to the country has increased in recent years, although Pyongyang has at times closed its border without warning.
South Korea’s central bank estimated in July that North Korea’s economy grew by more than three per cent for a third consecutive year in 2025, citing expanded economic cooperation with Russia as a major driver.
The bank also said North Korea’s gross national income benefited from a sharp increase in foreign currency earnings linked to the deployment of its troops to Russia.
Ukrainian rights group Truth Hounds had previously warned that the bridge could facilitate the movement of North Korean troops, construction brigades and military officials into Russia, while Russian technology and resources could move in the opposite direction.
