Russia-North Korea Railway Reopens

Russia will restore direct passenger rail service to North Korea in July, after a four-year interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Interfax news agency reported on June 26.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the North Korean goods fair in Vladivostok on June 26, the head of the Primorsky region in Russia's Far East, which borders North Korea, Oleg Kozhemyako, said that the trains will run from Vladivostok to the North Korean port of Rason. Russians can go directly to North Korea by train, enjoy the natural beauty and culture there, and get acquainted with North Korean customs and traditions.

Mr. Kozhemyako expects thousands of Russian tourists to visit North Korea this year, including children from Primorsky who will spend their summer vacation in North Korea. At the same time, North Korean children will go to the “Ocean” youth camp near Vladivostok.

Train service between North Korea and Russia was suspended in January 2020, when North Korea closed its border in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. The first test train from Russia to North Korea took place on June 6, carrying 41 Russian tourists and representatives of the Primorsky tourism industry. Some Russian tourists also traveled to North Korea by plane.

North Korean soldiers patrol a railway line connecting to Russia in 2013. Photo: REUTERS

After Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Western sanctions have prompted Russia to look to Asia and Africa to strengthen economic, security and diplomatic ties. President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea last week, the first since 2000, deepening Moscow-Pyongyang ties and signing a bilateral agreement that includes a commitment to mutual defense.

HUY QUOC

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mo-lai-tuyen-duong-sat-nga-trieu-tien-post746403.html