Korea-Siberia railway to be started

Russian Railway Minister Nikolai Akshonenko revealed Oct. 30 that the Russian government has decided to start construction of a trans-Siberian railway connecting to North and South Korea from this year.

"Russia is prepared to provide North Korea with technical support and construction materials, including mine removal support needed for to link the trans-Siberian railroad with the border of North Korea's railway,¡± Minister Akshonenko said at a press conference, according to AFP.

AFP also noted that Vice Minister Aleksandre Chelco of the Russian Railway Ministry, who is visiting Pyongyang, is planning to sign an agreement with North Korea.

Russian experts estimated that more than US$500 million to link the trans-Siberian railroad with the North-South Korea railway system.