Russia and North Korea would soon begin construction of a road bridge over the Tumen River between the two countries, Russia’s ambassador to Pyongyang was quoted as saying by Russia’s RIA news agency.
The bridge was agreed during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea last year when the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
The road bridge would be built near the existing “Friendship Bridge” rail bridge that was commissioned in 1959 after the Korean War.
Photo: AP
An ancient wooden bridge used to cross the border in the early 20th century, but it was destroyed, Russian media said.
“The construction of the bridge has not yet begun,” Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora said.
“The parties are carrying out preparatory work, finalizing design documentation, forming construction crews and columns of equipment,” he added.
The road bridge, which has been under discussion for years, would be 850m and link up with the Russian highway system.
South Korean satellite imagery analysis firm SI Analytics in a March 5 report said that work on the bridge’s foundations and road links appeared to have begun.
“With the rapid construction of this bridge following the existing rail link, the only passage between North Korea and Russia, a sharp increase in economic, social and military exchanges is anticipated,” the report said.
“This could potentially lead to a gradual erosion of the effectiveness of international sanctions against North Korea and Russia,” it added.
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