Russia and North Korea Begin Construction on New Tumen River Bridge

A bridge connection over the Tumen River has begun to be built, announces the Russian Prime Minister Michail Misjustin.

The river forms a natural border between Russia and North Korea and there has already been a rusty railway bridge in place since the Soviet era. But a new bridge is needed to "symbolize our joint striving to strengthen friendly relations", according to Misjustin.

This is a milestone for the Russia-North Korea relationship, he said during a video meeting with his North Korean counterpart.

The bridge is also expected to strengthen tourism and trade in the area, is the hope. Russian state-controlled television has shown images from the construction site, where a North Korean ceremony was held with Russian presence.