The prime ministers of Russia and North Korea took part in the ceremony via videoconference
Mikhail Mishustin and DPRK Premier Pak Thae-song participate in the ceremony marking the start of construction of a road bridge across the Tumen River
Mikhail Mishustin and DPRK Premier Pak Thae-song participate in the ceremony marking the start of construction of a road bridge across the Tumen River
Mikhail Mishustin and DPRK Premier Pak Thae-song participate in the ceremony marking the start of construction of a road bridge across the Tumen River
DPRK Premier Pak Thae-song’s remarks
The construction of a bridge over the Tumen River has been launched in the Primorye Territory. The road bridge will connect Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). At present, only a railway bridge and air links operate between Russia and the DPRK. The road bridge will enhance cargo flows and facilitate the development of passenger transport.
The total length of the bridge, including approach roads, is 4.7 kilometres. The bridge itself spans 1 kilometre, with the Russian section measuring 424 metres and the Korean section 581 metres. The width of the bridge is 7 metres, accommodating two traffic lanes.
The estimated construction period is one and a half years. A vehicle checkpoint will be established near the bridge.
Comrade Pak Thae-song,
Colleagues,
Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this historic occasion – the ceremony inaugurating the construction of a road bridge across the Tumen River at the junction of the borders of the Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
This marks a truly landmark stage in Russian-Korean relations. Its significance extends far beyond a mere engineering endeavour. It symbolises our shared aspiration to strengthen friendly, good-neighbourly relations and expand interregional cooperation. We are establishing a reliable foundation for closer collaboration – a pathway for open and fruitful dialogue, greater affinity between our peoples, increased travel and exchanges, and a deeper understanding of the history and traditions of Russia and North Korea.
Last year, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un signed the fundamental interstate Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. This document cemented the transition of our relations to a new qualitative level befitting contemporary demands, while creating the necessary conditions for launching constructive joint projects.
Undoubtedly, our key priority remains the construction of this bridge to enable year-round road traffic. The sole existing route is the railway link via the Friendship Bridge across the Tumen River. However, its capacity has become insufficient.
The future bridge holds particular importance for Russia’s Far Eastern Federal District, above all for the Primorye Territory, where enterprises and local residents will gain additional opportunities. Transport and logistics infrastructure will develop more dynamically.
This new route will enable entrepreneurs to substantially increase shipment volumes while reducing transport costs, ensuring reliable and stable deliveries of diverse goods – all of which will promote expanded trade and economic cooperation between our nations. Naturally, it also opens excellent prospects for tourism.
Friends,
I must specifically acknowledge all those making substantial contributions to this project’s implementation, including FEED experts, builders, engineers, workers, and specialists of numerous professions on both sides of the border.
You face months of intensive and complex work ahead. We rely on your expertise, diligence, and initiative to complete all tasks to the highest standard within the schedule.
I am convinced this new bridge will become an enduring symbol of peace and good neighbourliness between Russia and the DPRK.
I wish you every success. Thank you for your attention.
DPRK Premier Pak Thae-song’s remarks:
Pak Thae-song (retranslated): Comrade Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin.
Comrade Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Yury Trutnev.
Comrades and friends,
Today, we came here to witness a major milestone with the launch of a project to build a road bridge on the state border between the DPRK and Russia. It serves as a great symbol of the imperishable friendship and cooperation between the people of the two countries.
First, allow me to congratulate construction workers from our two countries and all the comrades and friends who are present here today on behalf of the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. I would like to greet everyone who supported and shared Comrade Kim Jong-un’s and Comrade President of Russia Vladimir Putin’s noble vision – everyone who contributed to the success of today’s ceremony to launch construction of a road bridge on the Korea-Russia border. It will stand forever as a historical monument symbolising the unbreakable bonds of friendship between Korea and Russia.
Held in Pyongyang in June 2024, the Korea-Russia summit served as a major impetus for promoting exchanges and cooperation between our two countries across various sectors, including politics, the economy and culture. It generated positive momentum and created new development opportunities. Mutually beneficial joint projects have gained traction, making a meaningful impact in terms of improving the wellbeing of people in our two countries.
These projects include building a road bridge on the Korea-Russia border. What a long-awaited and rejoicing occasion for our two nations. This joint effort is expected to yield tangible results and has special importance as a development driver for our multifaceted bilateral exchanges. The very fact that you and I can finally launch the construction of this road bridge on the Korean-Russian border brings us a lot of joy.
The agreement to build a road bridge across the Korean-Russian border was one of the key outcomes of the historical bilateral summit in Pyongyang. It will make a major practical contribution to strengthening the long-standing foundations of the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries and help develop it in a comprehensive and integral manner.
Once finished, the road bridge on the Korea-Russia border will consolidate and reinforce the infrastructural framing of our bilateral economic cooperation. It will guarantee that our bilateral cooperation develops in multiple areas by facilitating social mobility, encouraging tourism, trade, and, ultimately, serving as a new impetus for promoting Korea-Russia relations, among other things.
Efforts by the governments and people of our two countries will ensure that the road bridge on the Korea-Russia border will soon take its majestic appearance by turning into a wide avenue linking Pyongyang to Moscow.
I am certain that through our joint dedicated efforts we will ensure that this construction project to build a road bridge on the Korea-Russia border succeeds, moves ahead and is completed on time. It all started today with digging the first lump of soil with a shovel, attracting the attention and raising hopes among the people of our two countries.
I declare the launch of the project to build a road bridge on the Korea-Russia border!
Mikhail Mishustin’s closing remarks:
I would like to thank you, Comrade Pak Thae-song, as well as all our Russian and Korean colleagues for this joint effort. Let me emphasise that we really appreciate our friendly, neighbourly ties with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and have a lot of warm feelings towards your country. Russia reaffirms its commitment to constructive cooperation, which is growing stronger with every year.
Once again, I would like to congratulate all the participants in today’s event with the launch of this marvellous undertaking. Taking part in building a major transport infrastructure site is a serious responsibility and at the same time a great honour. From an even wider perspective, this project will reinforce trust and unity between our two countries.
I offer my best wishes to everyone involved in this ambitious project in one way or another, with the hope that we will soon meet again to hold a ceremony marking the end of construction and launch traffic across the newly built bridge.
Thank you.
