Maria Gabriel: Joint and coordinated efforts are needed to build Corridor VIII
27 July 2023 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Gabriel participates in a quadrilateral ministerial meeting in Brindisi on regional cooperation and the construction of European Corridor VIII. The meeting, hosted by Italy, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Tajani and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Albania Olta Jačka and of the Republic of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani.
‘Transport connectivity is key to regional cooperation, economic development and attracting foreign investment. Joint and coordinated efforts are needed to build the infrastructure of Corridor VIII. This is a project of strategic importance for Bulgaria, Italy, the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania as it contributes to the process of bringing the Western Balkans closer to the EU and promotes cooperation between the countries of the region and the people’, commented Maria Gabriel.
Corridor VIII is an important transport network, including along its route sea and river ports, airports, roads and railways. The corridor connects the Bulgarian Black Sea ports of Varna and Burgas with the southern Italian ports of Bari and Brindisi, passing through Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia. 52% of the road infrastructure is on Bulgarian territory. The aim is to improve European and regional infrastructure connectivity.
The ministers also stressed on the importance of the initiative for the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union. Emphasis was also placed on joint and coordinated efforts to tackle the challenges of migration. Minister Gabriel thanked Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani for his strong support for Bulgaria's accession to Schengen without further delay.
‘The construction of Corridor VIII will promote trade and business, good neighbourliness, economic growth and security. It will provide new opportunities for young people and contribute to the creation of innovative hubs, turning the region into a place for the development of breakthrough technologies and next-generation entrepreneurship,’ the Deputy Prime Minister further said.
An important outcome of today's discussion was the decision to hold the following meetings between the four countries — an annual political meeting, an annual business forum, a meeting of the important cities along the project route and a regular discussion in this format in the framework of the NATO Summits.
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