A meeting of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Reconstruction of Ukraine – Minister of Community and Territorial Development with the Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Bulgaria, Korman Ismailov, took place in Kyiv. The parties discussed key issues of cooperation in the transport sector.
One of the central issues was the launch of passenger rail service between Ukraine and Bulgaria through the territory of Romania. This is a test launch of the route this summer in a trilateral format.
“The launch of rail service between Ukraine and Bulgaria is not only about convenience for people, but also about strengthening our integration with the European transport space. We see real demand for this route and are determined, together with our Bulgarian and Romanian partners, to do everything to make it work in test mode this summer,” said Oleksiy Kuleba.
Separately, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need to form a competitive price offer, in particular, using the PSO mechanism (public service obligation).
Also during the meeting, the development of strategic transport corridors, the Danube cluster and automobile infrastructure were discussed. They agreed on further coordination in the field of road transportation and holding a meeting of the joint Ukrainian-Bulgarian automobile commission.
In addition, the parties exchanged positions on the digitalization of transport services, in particular, electronic queues at the border, as well as cooperation in the field of shipping safety in the Black Sea. The intention was expressed to intensify work on an intergovernmental agreement on maritime search and rescue.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness for further practical cooperation and the implementation of the agreements reached. (Development Ministry)