site.btaTransport Minister Talks Resumption of Sofia-Baku Flights, Third Danube Bridge at Bucharest Forum

The resumption of the Sofia-Baku flight service and the construction of a third bridge over the Danube River were discussed in Bucharest by caretaker Minister of Transport and Communications Hristo Alexiev, his ministry's press center reported. Alexiev is in the Romanian capital heading the Bulgarian delegation to the Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunication Union.

Within the framework of bilateral meetings, Deputy Prime Minister Alexiev and Azerbaijani Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabi confirmed their desire to resume the direct air line between the capitals Sofia - Baku.

On Monday, Alexiev also met with his Romanian colleague Sorin Grindeanu, an the two discussed the construction of a third bridge over the Danube River. For this purpose, an agreement will be signed between the two countries. In another document, Bulgaria and Romania will regulate the commitments of the two countries for the implementation of the FAST Danube project and the creation of a joint company to manage its activities.

The two agreements with clear tasks and specific deadlines for the implementation of various stages will be signed as soon as possible, assured the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Hristo Alexiev and Sorin Grindeanu also noted that the construction of new bridges, the deepening of the Danube, ferry connectivity and improved border crossings should be considered as one common strategic priority with several projects in it.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexiev also discussed with his colleague  the modernization of the railway section Craiova - Calafat, which is a continuation of the railway line from Danube Bridge 2 in Romanian territory.

In mid-October, the two deputy prime ministers are planning a joint meeting in Brussels, where they will jointly present a project for the financing of the next phase of FAST Danube and Danube Bridge 3. Hristo Alexiev and Sorin Grindeanu confirmed their intention to work together on the the agreement reached on Danube Bridge 3 and on the rest of the bridge construction projects between the two countries, according to the agreement signed in 2019.

During Tuesday's forum, Hristo Alexiev presented Bulgaria's candidacy for the leadership structure of the largest and oldest organization at the UN - the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), his ministry press centre said.

Bulgaria has been a member of one of the longest-standing organizations in modern history for 142 years, said Hristo Alexiev to the representatives of 193 countries participating in the forum. He stressed that during this period Bulgaria has shown its support towards the goals of telecommunication and technological development. The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that Bulgaria has been very active over the years in the activities of the Union's specialized bureaus.

Bulgaria's candidacy for the ITU Council was also the main topic of a meeting held between Deputy Prime Minister Hristo Alexiev and the Secretary General of the organization, Howlin Zhao.