On July 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will actively pursue the construction of connecting roads at its borders with China and the DPRK.
Speaking via videoconference at the opening ceremony of the eastern section of the M‑12 expressway, Putin declared:
“We are going to continue proactively develop the East route. It should be extended to Tyumen and linked with the upgraded backbone road network of Siberia and the Far East.”
He went on to say that “Certainly, issues will be considered of constructing approach motorways to the state border with Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This will significantly increase our transit capabilities.”
Emphasizing the broader vision, Putin added that “The route will be incorporated into the international transport architecture, become an important, competitive and logistical artery.”
