Relations and exchange programs between the two countries have been flourishing in recent years, with North Korea supplying ammunitions and troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine.

North Korea said the construction of a new bridge linking it to Russia is a "significant" development of relations between the two countries, state media KCNA reported on Thursday. Russia and North Korea on Wednesday began construction of a road bridge that will span the Tumen River.

The announcement comes after North Korea confirmed for the first time its soldiers are fighting alongside Russia.