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Railroad linkage project to strengthen peace on Korean Peninsula, says Russian embassy

The Russian embassies in North and South Korea are ready "to actively cooperate to make sure that the impressive infrastructure project is implemented as soon as possible"

PYONGYANG, December 27. /TASS/. The railroad and highway linkage project involving North and South Korea will not only have a huge economic effect but will also be important from the political standpoint for it will strengthen peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang said in a Facebook statement.

According to the statement, the Russian embassies in North and South Korea are ready "to actively cooperate to make sure that the impressive infrastructure project is implemented as soon as possible, for not only it may bring significant economic benefits to its participants but it will also help boost mutual understanding, strengthening peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

On December 26, the two Korean states held a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony to link their railroads across the border. The two countries’ officials signed a wooden railroad tie, considered to be a symbol of the railroad linkage. After that, a new signboard reading "Seoul-Pyongyang was unveiled.

Those participating in the ceremony highlighted the importance of the railroad linkage project for the development of the Korean Peninsula and the entire Northeast Asia.

Before the division of Korea, two railroads connected the north and the south of the peninsula, but later rail service between the two countries was suspended for more than 50 years.

In early December, the two countries’ experts inspected the western and eastern railroads passing through North Korea. A thorough reconstruction plan will be developed based on the experts’ data. The Trans-Korean Railway is also planned to be linked with Russia’s Trans-Siberian Railway in the future.