The New Yalu River Bridge connecting China and North Korea is a major cross-border infrastructure project advanced through the joint interest and concerted efforts of Chinese President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Workers` Party of Korea Kim Jong Un. Through the coordinated efforts of both sides, the bridge has been successfully opened to traffic. It will further bolster economic and trade cooperation, streamline passenger travel, deepen interpersonal bonds, and stand as a historic milestone in the traditional friendship between the two nations.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang made these remarks during a video address delivered at the official inauguration ceremony of the New Yalu River Bridge on October 15.

Premier Li noted that both sides should seize the opportunity presented by the bridge’s opening to streamline clearance procedures for cargo and passengers at border ports, elevate the standard of cross-border connectivity, unlock the cooperation potential of border regions, and further enhance the well-being of the people of both countries.

He stressed that China and North Korea are socialist neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. Under the strategic leadership of the top leaders of both nations, bilateral relations are entering a new phase. President Xi Jinping has pointed out that no matter how the international landscape may evolve, the firm commitment of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government to valuing and preserving the traditional friendship with North Korea will remain unchanged. Furthermore, China`s resolute support for North Korea’s socialist development under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, as well as its determination to safeguard shared interests and a favorable strategic environment, will remain steadfast.

Premier Li emphasized that China is ready to work alongside North Korea to implement the key consensuses reached by the top leaders of both nations, strengthen strategic communication, consolidate mutual political trust, expand pragmatic cooperation, and deepen multilateral coordination. Through these efforts, he added, both nations will continue to advance and deepen bilateral ties, delivering greater benefits to the people of both countries.

Pak Thae Song, Premier of the Cabinet of the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea (DPRK), also delivered a video address at the ceremony.The New Yalu River Bridge connects China’s Liaoning Province directly with North Korea’s North Pyongan Province.

Source: Zinia, Faisal, Tuhina | China Media Group (CMG)