North Korea and Russia have opened their first road bridge spanning the Tumen River, connecting the two countries. It is intended as key infrastructure to revive comprehensive cooperation amid strengthening relations.
On 8 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea and Russia activated a new road bridge over the Tumen River linking Rason city in North Korea with Kazan city in Russia. The opening ceremony was held on 7 Sep 2026 GMT+7 in Rason and Kazan, with North Korean Prime Minister Pak Tae-song and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin attending online.
The report stated construction began in April 2025 GMT+7 after a summit between North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang in June 2024 GMT+7. The bridge will allow various vehicles and people to cross the border safely, serving as a foundation to build and strengthen key infrastructure for economic cooperation, as well as promoting people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and trade circulation.
The North Korean Prime Minister called the new bridge a new symbol of friendship between the two countries, adding that it will provide fresh momentum to cooperation between North Korea and Russia in all areas. Meanwhile, the Russian Prime Minister said relations with North Korea have advanced to an unprecedented level as a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Source: Yonhap