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

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.