A Historic Event: Russia and the DPRK Open the First Automobile Bridge Across the Tumen River

On September 7, 2026, a landmark event in the history of bilateral relations between Russia and the DPRK took place: the first automobile bridge across the border Tumen River was opened, linking the Russian settlement of Khasan with the North Korean city of Rason.

The ceremony was held via videoconference, with the participation of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Premier of the DPRK Cabinet Pak Thae Song. In his welcoming address, Mikhail Mishustin emphasized that relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have reached an unprecedentedly high level of comprehensive strategic partnership. “Our states actively interact across virtually all areas, coordinating efforts to ensure regional security and stability. These ties have stood the test of time and do not depend on external circumstances,” the Russian premier noted.

Pak Thae Song, for his part, expressed gratitude to the designers, builders, and relevant agencies of both countries. He emphasized that the bridge’s entry into operation gives a powerful impulse to bilateral cooperation and opens up new horizons for practical interaction between the two governments.

The Project’s History and New Opportunities

Until recently, the only transport hub between the two countries remained the railway “Bridge of Friendship,” built back in 1959. Its throughput capacity had long been insufficient for the growing freight turnover, and the absence of road communication forced logistics companies to route their shipments around, through the Chinese city of Hunchun.

The construction agreement was signed in 2024 during a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, and by spring 2025 active work had begun. More than 700 specialists and over 30 units of equipment were involved in the construction.

Technical Characteristics and Significance of the Facility

The total length of the crossing is 4.7 km, of which about 1 km falls directly on the bridge structure (424 meters—the Russian section, 581 meters—the North Korean section). The throughput capacity amounts to two lanes for passenger vehicles, buses, and freight transport. And in terms of the logistics system, the access road is integrated into........

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