Kathmandu [Nepal], September 9 – North Korea has opened its first road bridge linking the country with Russia describing the project as a concrete symbol of strengthening bilateral ties as Pyongyang expands economic and strategic cooperation with Moscow and Beijing.
The bridge across the Tumen River is expected to provide another overland connection between North Korea and Russia, while a separate bridge under construction will link North Korea with China.
Experts said the two projects could give Pyongyang greater economic flexibility by allowing it to encourage competition between its two powerful neighbours and maximise the benefits of closer ties.
“North Korea will simultaneously secure two major overland routes linking it with Russia and China,” Kyungnam University professor Lim Eul-chul said adding that the developments could also signal to the United States that Pyongyang does not need to seek sanctions relief or make concessions on denuclearisation.
Russia said the new bridge can handle up to 300 vehicles a day adding capacity to existing rail and air links between the two countries.
The opening comes as North Korea and Russia have significantly strengthened military and economic cooperation since Moscow launched its war in Ukraine in 2022.
North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia in 2024 to support Russian forces in the Kursk region while Ukraine has accused Russia of using North Korean missiles in attacks.
South Korea’s central bank estimated in July that North Korea’s economy grew by more than 3 percent for a third consecutive year in 2025 citing expanded economic cooperation with Russia as a major driver.
North Korean official Pak Thae Song called the bridge’s completion a significant development for bilateral cooperation, state news agency KCNA reported.
