A new bridge linking China and North Korea is set to open Thursday after more than a decade of delay in the latest sign of closer ties between the two countries.

The official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported Wednesday that both sides will hold a ceremony for the launch of the New Yalu River Bridge.

The four-lane, 3-kilometer (1. 8-mile) bridge will connect the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong to the North Korean city of Sinuiju.