North Korea and Russia have begun building their first road link, the two countries announced, hailing the construction of a bridge over a border river as a major development that will further expand

The assessment came two days after North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent combat troops to help Russia recapture parts of the Kursk region.

North Korea and Russia are cementing their alliance with the construction of their first-ever road bridge, marking a significant step in expanding bilateral ties. The bridge, spanning a border river, is expected to bolster trade and tourism between the two nations, according to state media reports.