North Korea has gained a new connection with the outside world.

A newly renovated bridge spanning the Dobličica River near Belsad in Črnomelj has officially opened to the public. The bridge, originally constructed in the mid-1970s, underwent extensive repairs following a professional assessment in 2021 that classified it as being in very poor condition. The renovation project cost approximately €371,000, funded from the municipal budget of Črnomelj. Construction began in late March this year and concluded in August. The bridge, which is now 18 meters long and expanded by half a meter, features a reinforced structure supported by two steel crossbeams connected via a reinforced concrete plate. The sides have been reinforced, and drainage systems have been improved. Alongside the bridge’s restoration, local authorities also upgraded parts of the infrastructure. The water supply and sewage system were restored over a distance of 215 meters and 150 meters respectively. A company named EVI extended the public lighting, while part of the adjacent road was resurfaced with asphalt over 130 meters. The bridge serves not just as a transportation link but also facilitates the organized connection of various utility lines. These improvements are expected to contribute to more reliable electricity supply in the broader area. Municipal officials highlighted the importance of the bridge beyond its role in connecting traffic. Mayor Andrej Kavšek emphasized that the renovated bridge carries significant communal and energy infrastructure. He thanked the contractors for their work and acknowledged the patience of nearby residents during the four-month period when the bridge was completely closed. The official opening ceremony took place with the handover of the bridge to its intended purpose by Mayor Andrej Kavšek and the head of the CGP management, Martin Gosenca. A young musician named Vito Bremec added entertainment with his performance on the accordion. In a separate development, North Korea has opened a new bridge connecting it to China, its primary trading partner. The four-lane bridge over the Yalu River links the Chinese border town of Dandong with Sinuiju in North Korea. Construction began in 2014, but the bridge remained closed for years due to unfinished roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side. Recent satellite images show vehicles crossing the bridge, indicating its operational status. This new bridge could potentially ease North Korea’s compliance with international sanctions related to its nuclear program. However, some analysts suggest the bridge might help North Korea avoid certain restrictions on exporting raw materials and other goods. The opening of the new bridge follows an improvement in relations between China and North Korea. In March, both countries reinstated a railway connection, and in June, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang, meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Analysts believe this meeting signaled a revival of bilateral relations, which had somewhat deteriorated in recent years as North Korea strengthened ties with Russia. Despite the new bridge, China remains North Korea’s most significant trading partner, accounting for nearly 95 percent of its official trade. According to data from South Korea’s government, there are 17 road and rail connections between the two countries. While China emphasizes the economic benefits of the new bridge, some analysts caution that it might allow North Korea to circumvent existing United Nations sanctions. However, experts suggest that trade growth is likely to occur gradually rather than suddenly, given the ongoing sanctions and North Korea’s cautious approach to increasing Chinese imports.