A £77 million bridge connecting Northern North Korea and Eastern Russia is set for completion by the end of 2026. The 2.92-mile structure will be built beside the existing railway bridge. Preparatory work is currently ongoing, though construction has not yet started. The bridge project follows significant diplomatic interactions between North Korea and Russia.
A substantial bridge, costing £77 million, is being built to connect Northern North Korea with Eastern Russia. This 2.92-mile structure, which spans the Tumen River, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. It will be located adjacent to an existing railway bridge, known as the “Friendship Bridge,” that has facilitated rail transport between the two nations since 1959.
The project gained momentum following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024, which allowed for the granting of construction rights to an inexperienced firm based in Sochi, named TonnelYuzhStroi. Although construction has yet to commence, efforts are underway for preparatory work, including finalizing design documentation and organizing construction crews, as stated by Alexander Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea.
In related diplomatic news, Ambassador Matsegora also noted a positive outlook from Pyongyang regarding recent interactions between the United States and Russia surrounding the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, he confirmed that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was informed of these discussions during a recent visit from Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoygu.
In summary, the £77 million bridge project between North Korea and Russia symbolizes an effort to strengthen ties between the two nations. Scheduled for completion by 2026, the initiative reflects broader geopolitical developments, particularly in relation to the Ukraine conflict and North Korea’s strategic partnership with Russia. Continued preparatory work is essential as construction has yet to begin, and diplomatic interactions remain pivotal for both countries.
Original Source: www.express.co.uk
