Construction of £77 Million Bridge to Connect Russia and North Korea

Russia and North Korea are constructing a £77 million bridge by 2026 to link northern North Korea with eastern Russia. The project, awarded to TonnelYuzhStroi, has received initial approval, but actual construction has not yet commenced. Russian officials express confidence in the enduring partnership between the two nations, amid broader geopolitical discussions.

Russia and North Korea are constructing a substantial £77 million bridge, spanning 2.92 miles, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026. This bridge will connect northern North Korea with eastern Russia, specifically near Vladivostok, over the Tumen River that forms a natural boundary between the three neighboring nations of Russia, North Korea, and China.

The Russian government awarded the construction of the bridge to a relatively small and inexperienced company, TonnelYuzhStroi, located in Sochi. Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024, the project received the necessary approvals to commence. This new crossing will be sited adjacent to the existing Friendship Bridge, which has facilitated rail transport between the two countries since 1959.

As of now, construction has not yet started; however, preparations are underway. Alexander Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea, stated that preliminary work is ongoing, focusing on finalizing design details and assembling construction teams and necessary equipment.

Matsegora also conveyed an optimistic perspective regarding recent dialogues between Washington and Moscow concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has seen North Korean soldiers involved in the conflict. He noted that Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoygu updated North Korean leader Kim Jong-un about this contact during a visit to Pyongyang last Friday.

In conclusion, Matsegora underscored North Korea’s unwavering confidence in the strength of their partnership with Russia. He asserted that there is no cause for concern regarding potential impacts from these international dialogues on the robust strategic alliance and fraternal ties between their nations, which are historically intertwined through shared sacrifices.

The construction of a new bridge between Russia and North Korea signifies the strengthening of their partnership, despite ongoing international tensions. With a total cost of £77 million, this bridge will link key regions of both countries and is expected to foster further collaboration. Preparatory work is actively underway, reflecting a positive outlook on their bilateral relations, as expressed by Russian officials.

Original Source: www.express.co.uk