Russia to Resume Direct Passenger Rail Service with North Korea in July After Four-Years

Russia is set to revive its direct passenger rail service with North Korea in July, ending a four-year hiatus imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by Interfax, a Russian news agency, the trains will operate from Vladivostok, a city in Russia's far eastern region of Primorsky Krai, to the North Korean port of Rason .

The announcement was made by Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Primorsky Krai, who expressed his enthusiasm for the resumption of the service. "Having boarded in Vladivostok, (people) will come straight to the DPRK, enjoy the beauty, nature, culture there, get acquainted with the customs and traditions," Kozhemyako said at the opening of a festival of goods in Vladivostok from North Korea .

Why it Matters : The revival of the direct passenger rail service between Russia and North Korea is significant because it underscores Russia's determination to diversify its economic and diplomatic partnerships, particularly in the face of Western sanctions. The move is also seen as a strategic attempt to counterbalance the influence of the United States and its allies in the region. Furthermore, the resumption of the rail service is expected to boost tourism and trade between the two countries, potentially paving the way for greater economic cooperation.

This move is seen as a strategic step by Russia to strengthen its ties with North Korea, particularly in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent sanctions imposed by Kyiv's allies. Since then, Russia has been actively seeking to expand its economic, security, and diplomatic ties with countries in Asia and Africa .

The resumption of the rail service comes on the heels of President Vladimir Putin's historic visit to North Korea last week, marking his first trip to the country since 2000. During his visit, Putin signed a bilateral deal with North Korea, which included a mutual defense pledge, further solidifying Moscow's ties with Pyongyang .

Key Takeaways :

• Russia is set to resume direct passenger rail service with North Korea in July.
• The trains will operate from Vladivostok to the North Korean port of Rason.
• The move is seen as a strategic step by Russia to strengthen its ties with North Korea.
• The resumption of the rail service comes on the heels of President Vladimir Putin's historic visit to North Korea.
• The development is expected to boost economic cooperation between Russia and North Korea.