North Korea, Russia solidify strategic ties with first road bridge

North Korea and Russia have strengthened their strategic ties by opening their first road bridge on Monday, marking a milestone in their partnership.

North Korea and Russia have strengthened their strategic ties by opening their first road bridge on Monday, marking a milestone in their partnership.

The bridge between the two countries crosses the Tumen River and is located near the existing “Friendship Bridge”. It is a rail bridge that was launched in 1959 after the Korean War, TASS reported.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin praised the strategic partnership, saying it would drive growth through the creation of jobs and tourism.

“I am convinced that the expansion of cross-border transport infrastructure will provide a powerful impetus for the further development of trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation,” Mishustin said.

Construction of the new bridge began in April last year, following an agreement reached during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024.

The announcement came after the United States, South Korea and Japan held a trilateral joint military drill, “Freedom Edge”, on Monday. The exercise is defensive in nature and aimed at countering North Korea’s growing nuclear threats.

Ties between Moscow and Pyongyang have deepened since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. North Korea reportedly sent thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region to help prevent a Ukrainian incursion in 2024.

North Korea has supplied Russia with extensive munitions, artillery shells and ballistic missiles such as the KN-23 and KN-24, alongside thousands of personnel and engineering units deployed to support Russian logistics and reconstruction efforts.

In return, Russia provides vital economic compensation, food and energy supplies, as well as advanced technological cooperation.

Recently, North Korea launched its second naval destroyer. According to experts, the country built the two destroyers with assistance from Russia.

Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. Article 4 provides for mutual military and other assistance if either party is subjected to armed aggression and is pushed into a state of war.