Russia and North Korea have opened their first road bridge across the Tumen River, marking a new step in expanding transport and economic links between the two countries as their strategic partnership continues to strengthen.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korean officials took part in the opening ceremony on Monday, officially inaugurating the crossing near the existing Friendship Bridge, a railway link that has connected the two countries since 1959.

The new bridge provides the first direct road connection between Russia and North Korea. The two countries already have railway and air links, but previously lacked a road crossing between their territories.

The bridge has been named after Yakov Novichenko, a Soviet Red Army officer credited with saving the life of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung. Relatives of Novichenko attended the inauguration ceremony.

Construction of the bridge began in April 2025 following an agreement reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea in 2024.

Mishustin said the new crossing could contribute to economic development, tourism and job creation, while strengthening trade and cooperation between the two countries.

He said expanded cross-border transport infrastructure would provide a major boost to economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation.

The opening comes as relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have deepened significantly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

North Korea has provided growing military support to Russia, including sending thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region to assist Russian forces during fighting linked to Ukraine’s incursion in 2024.