North Korea and Russia Build Bridge to Strengthen Ties Amid…

North Korea and Russia are building a 1-kilometer bridge to enhance bilateral relations. The crossing will allow 2,850 people and 300 vehicles daily. This project follows an increased military partnership, with North Korea sending thousands of troops to support Russia in the Ukraine war. The bridge signifies a strategic alignment between the two nations amid global tensions.

North Korea and Russia are stepping up their cooperation with the construction of a new bridge that will connect the two countries across the Tumen River. This facility, featuring 10 lanes, is designed to handle nearly 2,850 people and around 300 vehicles daily. Such infrastructure aims to bolster cross-border movement and enhance bilateral relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The partnership between Kim Jong-un’s North Korea and Vladimir Putin’s Russia has gained momentum since a defense pact was signed in June 2024. Under this agreement, Russia has provided North Korea with food, coal, and medical supplies, further deepening ties. In return, North Korea has dispatched approximately 12,000 troops to support Russian efforts in the protracted conflict in Ukraine.

In June 2024, both leaders agreed on the necessity of this bridge to strengthen their partnership. According to Russian state media, the bridge will span 1 kilometer and construction is projected to last about 1.5 years. It’s worth noting that this structure is not just about logistics; it symbolizes the growing alliance between the two nations.

The North Korean state media outlet KCNA noted that this bridge will enhance opportunities for tourism and the flow of goods, indicating a shift in North Korea’s approach to foreign relations. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin called the project a significant milestone in bilateral relations, reflecting the unprecedented cooperation between the two countries.

Furthermore, the influx of Russian tourists into North Korea has begun since February 2024, somewhat compensating for the severe drop in visitors from China, a nation that previously constituted the bulk of North Korean tourism. In 2023, about 97% of North Korea’s trade was conducted with China, while a mere 1.2% was with Russia, as reported by the South Korean Unification Ministry.

Currently, at least 17 active road and rail links exist between North Korea and China, enabling considerable trade and transport activities. North Korea and Russia already share one railway bridge and an air service. The latest decision to build an automobile bridge across the Tumen River marks a notable step in expanding their logistical framework.

Importantly, North Korea’s admission of sending combat troops to support Russian forces in Ukraine represents a turning point. Reports indicate that about 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed, among which 4,700 have reported casualties, according to Seoul’s intelligence services. This involvement in the conflict signals a significant commitment to Moscow’s military objectives, further intertwining their fates in the face of global scrutiny.

The construction of the bridge symbolizes a deepening alliance between North Korea and Russia, facilitated by military cooperation and economic exchanges. With 10 lanes accommodating thousands of daily travelers, it marks an important step in promoting bilateral relations. The ongoing commitment of North Korean troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine indicates a significant shift in political stance and regional dynamics.

Original Source: www.the-express.com