Construction of £77 Million Bridge Between Russia and North Korea Begins Preparations
Russia and North Korea are building a £77 million, 2.92-mile bridge projected for completion by 2026. Located near Vladivostok, this bridge will connect the two countries across the Tumen River. The project is currently in its preparatory phase, with construction anticipated to begin following Putin’s 2024 visit to North Korea. The ambassador affirmed North Korea’s confidence in the enduring partnership with Russia amidst international dynamics.
Russia and North Korea are embarking on the construction of a significant £77 million bridge, intended to span 2.92 miles. This infrastructure project aims to connect northern North Korea with eastern Russia, specifically near Vladivostok. The bridge will be built across the Tumen River, which marks the boundary between Russia, North Korea, and China. It is projected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The contract for this bridge was awarded to a small firm from Sochi named TonnelYuzhStroi, following a decree signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in February. Currently, construction has not commenced, as the project only received the official green light subsequent to President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in early 2024. This new bridge will be located adjacent to the historic “Friendship Bridge,” which has facilitated rail transport between the two countries since 1959.
Alexander Matsegora, Russia’s ambassador to North Korea, stated that construction is still in the preparatory stages. He mentioned that the involved parties are engaged in finalizing design documentation and assembling construction teams and necessary equipment. Matsegora emphasized that the bridge project has yet to begin, indicating that preliminary work remains ongoing.
Furthermore, Matsegora noted that North Korea has expressed optimism regarding recent dialogues between Washington and Moscow, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, in which North Korean soldiers have participated. The ambassador relayed that during a recent visit to Pyongyang, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoygu briefed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the communications between the two nations.
Matsegora reassured that North Korea remains unconcerned about outside influences affecting the robust partnership shared by Russia and North Korea, rooted in a deep historical friendship. This relationship, he stated, is fortified by the mutual experiences of conflict and sacrifices made by their peoples.
The construction of the £77 million bridge connecting Russia and North Korea represents a significant infrastructure project set for completion by 2026. While preparations are underway, actual construction has yet to commence. The initiative reflects an enduring strategic partnership between the two nations, amplified through recent communications with the United States amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: www.express.co.uk
