Seoul, South Korea - South Korea - The two countries announced that North Korea and Russia had begun to establish their first road ties, announcing the construction of a bridge over the border river, a major development that would further expand its thriving ties.

Russia's TASS news agency reported on Wednesday that the bridge will be 1 km (0.6 miles) long and its construction is expected to take 1½ years. North Korea's Central News Agency said the bridge will expand people's cross-border travel, tourism and commodity circulation.

Relations and exchange programs between the two countries have been booming in recent years, with North Korea providing ammunition and troops to support Russia's war against Ukraine.

A railway bridge and aviation services have already connected North Korea and Russia, and in June 2024, the two countries agreed to build a car bridge on the Tumen River, which extends along the North Korean border with Russia and China.

North Korea and Russia held a groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge’s building on Thursday, according to state media agencies in both countries. The agencies said North Korean Prime Minister Pak Thae's song and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin attended the ceremony through video links.

Parker said the bridge's building will be remembered as a "historical monument" in the bilateral bond.

“This is a big milestone in the Russian-Kriatic relationship,” according to Tass. “We have created a reliable foundation for closer cooperation between the two countries, and it is the path to open and fruitful dialogue.”

On Monday, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent combat troops to Russia to help it recapture parts of Ukrainian forces’ stunning invasion of Kursk region last year. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea and promised not to forget the sacrifices of North Korean soldiers for Russia.

North Korea has sent about 15,000 soldiers to Russia, 4,700 of whom were killed or injured, according to an intelligence assessment by the South Korean government. According to South Korea's assessment, Russia provides air defense missiles, electronic warfare equipment, drones and technology for spy satellite launches.