A historic road linking Russia’s Amur Oblast with North Korea’s Rason Special Economic Zone was inaugurated on Monday, marking the first overland connection between the two countries. The 150‑kilometre highway, built with joint funding and overseen by both nations’ ministries of transport, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and strategic logistics. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un attended the ribbon‑cutting ceremony, emphasizing the project’s role in deepening bilateral cooperation. Early estimates suggest the route could increase bilateral trade volume by up to 30 % within the next two years, while also providing a new corridor for Russian exports to the Pacific market.
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