JAKARTA - Russia and North Korea will soon begin construction of a road bridge over the Tumen River between the two countries, the Russian Ambassador to Pyongyang was quoted as saying by the state news agency RIA.
The bridge was approved during President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea in 2024, when the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
The road bridge will be built near the existing "Friendly Bridge" rail bridge which was inaugurated in 1959 after the Korean war.
An ancient wooden bridge was used to cross the border in the early 20th century but was destroyed, according to Russian media.
"The bridge construction has not yet begun," Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora told RIA.
"The parties are doing preparatory work, completing design documentation, forming construction crews and equipment columns," he said.
Later, the highway bridge, which has been discussed for years, will have a length of 850 meters (2,789 feet) and be connected to the Russian highway system.
South Korea's satellite image analysis company, SI Analytics, said in its report on March 5, work on bridge foundations and road networks appears to have started.
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"With the construction of this fast bridge after the existing rail network, the only route between North Korea and Russia, a sharp increase in economic, social and military exchanges is anticipated," the report said.
"This has the potential to lead to gradual erosion of the effectiveness of international sanctions against North Korea and Russia," he added.
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