Russia and North Korea have officially opened their first road bridge across their shared border. The new bridge crosses the Tumen River, connecting the border city of Khasan in Russia with Rason in North Korea. Officials from both countries say the border crossing will help strengthen their growing relationship by making travel and trade easier.
The two-lane bridge is 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) long. According to the Russian government, up to 300 vehicles will be able to cross the border each day. The bridge is named after Yakov Novichenko, a Soviet officer who saved the life of North Korea's founding leader, Kim Il-sung. On Monday, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song held an inauguration ceremony via video link.
Before the new road bridge opened, the two neighboring countries relied only on train lines and flights to move people and goods. Russia and North Korea agreed to build the road bridge in 2024, and construction began last year. Relations between the two nations have grown closer recently, with North Korea providing troops and ammunition to support Russia's war against Ukraine in exchange for economic and military assistance. Leaders hope the new bridge will boost tourism, human exchange, and trade between the two countries.