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

The construction marks the first ever bridge for cars and motor vehicles crossing between Russia and North Korea and is a “significant milestone” in the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Wednesday as he attended the groundbreaking ceremony in a video conference.

North Korea has said the development of its first road bridge to Russia is a "significant" milestone in relations between the two countries, according to the country's state media KCNA.Construction of the bridge - set to span the Tumen river in the country's northeast - began on Wednesday.