Russia, N Korea announce road bridge to symbolise ‘unbreakable’ ties

MOSCOW: Russia and North Korea started building the first road bridge between the neighbours on Wednesday, both countries touting it as a symbol of their growing alliance.

Pyongyang emerged as one of Moscow´s main allies during the Ukraine offensive, admitting this week it had sent thousands of troops to help Moscow fight off Ukraine from the Kursk region.

President Vladimir Putin, who signed a strategic partnership with Pyongyang, recently hailed the North´s troops and the Kremlin has not ruled out them parading on Red Square during World War II commemorations on May 9.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that work for the road link across the Tumen river had started, in a video meeting with the Chairman of North Korea´s Supreme People´s Assembly, Pak Thae-song.

The river forms the natural border between the two countries. “This is a truly a milestone for Russian-Korean relations,” Mishustin said.

There is already a rusting, Soviet-era rail bridge across the river, but Mishustin said a road link was needed to “symbolise our common striving towards strengthening friendly relations” -- as well as to boost trade and tourism ties.

Russia and North Korea, the world´s most reclusive state, are among the most sanctioned countries in the world.