Post by : Shakul

China and North Korea are set to resume passenger train services between their countries after a suspension that lasted nearly six years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move marks a significant step in restoring transportation and diplomatic exchanges between the two neighboring nations.

According to China Railway, passenger trains connecting Beijing and Pyongyang will operate four times a week, while the route linking the Chinese border city of Dandong with the North Korean capital will run daily. The service had been halted in early 2020 when North Korea closed its borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Chinese railway authorities described the rail connection as an important symbol of friendship between China and North Korea, highlighting its role in strengthening ties and facilitating exchanges between the two countries.

Although China fully reopened its borders earlier, North Korea has taken a much slower approach to reopening after the pandemic. The country began allowing a limited number of tourists to enter in 2024 and has gradually eased travel restrictions while maintaining strict controls.

Officials said international travelers are allowed to use certain train carriages on the Beijing-Pyongyang route. However, travel agencies noted that tickets are currently available mainly to people holding valid visas, including students, workers, and individuals visiting family members across the border.

Reports also indicate that tickets for the first train service scheduled to depart this week were quickly sold out. Those purchasing tickets reportedly include businesspeople, government representatives, and journalists.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that maintaining regular passenger train services between China and North Korea is important for promoting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening bilateral relations.

The announcement comes shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping expressing confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow stronger as they pursue shared political and economic goals.

Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists made up the majority of foreign visitors to North Korea. The reopening of rail travel could therefore help revive tourism and cross-border exchanges between the two countries after years of restrictions.

#Global News #Travel News #Politics