The two countries have vowed to expand bilateral relations after North Korea sent troops and weapons in support of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

South Korea's spy agency says an estimated 4,700 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russia against Ukrainian forces

The new road bridge, which has been under discussion for years, will be 850 metres (2789 ft) and link up with the Russian highway system. Its construction was agreed during a visit by President Vladimir Putin to North Korea in 2024. Russia's Kommersant newspaper said the bridge will be ready by the summer of 2026.