September 08, 2008

Russian delegation in North Korea to discuss rail project

It is reported that a Russian delegation has arrived in North Korea to discuss a joint project to rebuild a cross border rail link. As per report the delegation will discuss providing power to the northeastern port of Rajin. Both sides will focus on discussing the issue of supply of electricity to Khasan-Rajin railways and Rajin Port.

Russian officials have visited North Korea to discuss modernizing the 55 kilometer line between Rajin and Russia's Khasan. Rajin is also referred to as Najin in South Korea.

A Russian railway spokesman told last week a preliminary agreement had been reached with North Korea on renovating the railway section, while North Korea had yet to respond to Russia's proposal to build a cargo terminal in Rajin.

Mr Vladimir Putin president of Russia has expressed interest in connecting the Rajin-Khasan line to the Trans-Siberian Railway.