Russia-North Korean relations are stronger than ever. Russia has begun construction on a 4.7-kilometer bridge across the Tumen River that will connect the two nations.
Russia’s Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, announced that the project will facilitate trade and tourism and reduce transportation costs. “This is truly a milestone for Russian-Korean relations,” Mishustin said during a video meeting with Pak Thae-song, chairman of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly. “The significance goes far beyond just an engineering task … it symbolises our common desire to strengthen friendly, good-neighbourly relations and increase interregional cooperation,” he added. Mishustin also stated that the project will help “entrepreneurs” to significantly increase the number of imported/exported goods. The two nations face the harshest sanctions in the world, and North Korea, especially, is in desperate need of food and basic goods.
Tourism will be for the Russians, as North Koreans may not leave their nation without government approval. Leaving North Korea is seen as “treachery against the nation” and punishable by death. It is extremely rare for a citizen to receive clearance to travel, and permits are typically only granted to diplomats, athletes, or the political elite; even then, they are closely monitored. The new bridge will feature checkpoints to prevent anyone from attempting to flee.
“There are many sportspeople and children going there,” Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of the Primorye Region, said, without further comment. There are reports that North Korea hosted summer camps for children of Russian soldiers who were killed during the war in Ukraine. It remains to be seen whether Russian families will permit their children to travel to North Korea for summer holiday.
Russia and North Korea, two countries with nuclear capabilities, have strengthened their alliance and this bridge is symbolic of their desire to continue relations. Some speculate that North Korean troops may even be permitted to join the Red Square parade on May 9 to commemorate the end of World War II. South Korea’s intelligence agencies have been monitoring the construction of the bridge.
Sochi, the company in charge of construction, believes the project will be complete by 2026.
