Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia have confirmed their common commitment to building a railway connection between the two countries, with the goal of completing the project by 2030. This became clear after a meeting at the Ministry of Transport and Communications between the Minister of Transport Korman Ismailov and the Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to Bulgaria H.E. Agneza Rusi-Popovska.
During the conversation, the two sides welcomed the ratification by the parliaments of Bulgaria and North Macedonia of the Agreement for the construction of the cross-border railway tunnel. The document is defined as a key step that allows the actual start of construction activities on the strategic infrastructure project.
The next stage is the establishment of a Joint Committee, led by deputy ministers of transport from both countries. He will coordinate the preparation, construction and future operation of the tunnel and the railway connection.
Minister Ismailov stressed that the Bulgarian side is working at an accelerated pace on the modernization of the Sofia - Pernik - Radomir - Gyueshevo railway line, which is part of the project to connect the two countries. According to him, the development of the railway infrastructure is of key importance for improving transport connectivity in the region.
For her part, Ambassador Agneza Rusi-Popovska pointed out that constructive cooperation between the institutions of Bulgaria and North Macedonia is an important prerequisite for the successful implementation of the project.
The railway connection between Sofia and Skopje is part of the European transport corridor No. 8, which should connect the Black Sea with the Adriatic Sea. The project is expected to significantly improve transport connections, trade and economic cooperation between the countries in the region.