Russian and North Korean officials held a ceremony to open the first vehicle bridge connecting the narrow border between their two countries, stating that the bridge will further strengthen the connection between the two nations.
On Monday, 7 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Russian and North Korean authorities held a ceremony to inaugurate the first vehicle bridge at their shared narrow border, reflecting increasingly close ties between the Kremlin and Pyongyang governments, both under Western sanctions amid the ongoing Ukraine war.
Currently, Russia and North Korea are connected by rail and air routes, but this is the first time a vehicle bridge links them by land.
The Russian government said the new bridge crossing the Tumen River is designed to support "anticipated growth in freight and passenger transport, accommodating up to 300 vehicles per day."
"Opening this first vehicle route will help strengthen the connection between the two allied countries," Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said via video conference during the bridge opening ceremony.
Video released by the Russian government showed trucks from both sides crossing the bridge, with crowds lining the road applauding in celebration.
Since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Russia and North Korea have significantly deepened their military and economic relations.
In 2024, North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia to help resist Ukraine's incursion in the Kursk region, while Kyiv has accused Russia of using North Korean missiles in its ongoing nighttime air strikes.
Additionally, the two countries signed a mutual defense treaty in 2024, agreeing to assist each other if either is attacked.
North Korea, one of the world's most isolated and repressive regimes, continues to restrict most citizens from leaving and tightly monitors incoming travelers, despite a recent increase in Russian tourists visiting North Korea.
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Source:cna