Russia and North Korea have begun building their first ever road bridge over the Tumen River, which forms a natural border between the allies, calling it a symbol of their deepening partnership.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said in announcing the project on Wednesday that it would reduce transportation costs, boost trade and promote tourism.
"This is indeed a milestone in Russia's relations with Russia," Mishustin said in a video conference with North Korea's Supreme People's Congress President Pak Thae-song.
He added: "The significance goes far beyond an engineering mission...it symbolizes our shared desire to strengthen friendship, good relations and increase inter-regional cooperation."
The entire Tumor River already has a rusty railway bridge from the Soviet era.
"Another road will allow entrepreneurs to significantly increase transportation volumes (commodities) and reduce transportation costs, and of course, it can also provide a good prospect for tourism," Mishustin said.
Russia's Kommersant newspaper said the bridge will be ready by mid-2026.
"Eternal Historical Monument"
Russian State TV broadcast videos from the scene showing North Koreans in suits lined up at the ceremony marking the start of construction.
"This will become an eternal historical memorial structure, symbolizing the unbreakable friendly relations between North Korea and Russia," the Russian translator said.
Russian Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, who attended the ceremony, said he hoped that this would promote ties between the two countries.
“There are a lot of sports drivers and kids going there,” he said.
North Korea and Russia are the two strictest countries in the world, and tend toward alliances during the Ukrainian war.
Pyongyang repeatedly expressed strong support for the Russian invasion and even sent thousands of troops to fight the Russians.
South Korean lawmakers quoted intelligence officials on Wednesday as saying about 600 North Korean soldiers died in the war.
North Korea has also been accused by Kyiv to provide Russia with heavy weapons used in combat, including missiles that killed twelve people in Kyiv last week.
Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership with Pyongyang with Pyongyang, promising to use the necessary "universal" to provide immediate military aid if both countries face "aggressiveness".
Since then, Putin has praised the North Korean troops fighting Ukraine, and the Kremlin even marched on May 9 during World War II, even taking into account them.