The joint working group between North Macedonia and Bulgaria held its first meeting in Sofia today, focusing on the preparation and implementation of the project to build a joint cross-border railway tunnel along Corridor 8.
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Under the agreement, the group is headed by the deputy transport ministers of both countries. North Macedonia was represented as co-chair by Deputy Transport Minister Kaltrina Zekolli Shaqiri, while the Bulgarian side was represented by Deputy Minister Cveta Timeva.
In addition to co-chair Kaltrina Zekolli Shaqiri, North Macedonia’s delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. The group also included representatives of the Public Enterprise for Railway Infrastructure and Railways Transport JSC – Skopje.
During discussions on key issues related to the preparation and construction of the cross-border tunnel, representatives of both countries reaffirmed their readiness to deepen cooperation and strengthen coordination at every stage of the project’s implementation.
Speaking in her capacity as Deputy Transport Minister and co-chair of the group, Kaltrina Zekolli Shaqiri said the cross-border railway tunnel is a strategic investment of regional significance. According to her, the project will establish a rail link between the two countries, make passenger and freight transport faster and more efficient, and create opportunities to expand economic cooperation between the two countries.
The parties agreed to establish a clear timetable for the activities, assign specific responsibilities among the relevant institutions in both countries, and jointly continue technical preparations for the construction of the cross-border railway tunnel.
The working group also identified the next steps for securing financial support and ensuring technical coordination. At the same time, members reaffirmed their shared intention to accelerate the implementation of this strategic infrastructure project.
Representatives of both sides described Corridor 8 as one of Europe’s most important transport corridors, while also highlighting the European Commission’s strong support for its implementation.
Based on the conclusions adopted, the next meeting of the joint working group will be held in Skopje. The meeting will review progress on the agreed activities and determine further steps for the project’s implementation.
Through the Ministry of Transport, the Government remains fully committed to implementing strategic infrastructure projects and modernising railway infrastructure, with the aim of improving regional connectivity and integration into the European transport network.
