Minister: Bridging Northern Greece and the Western Balkans Through Port Connectivity

Shipping Minister Christos Stylianidis at the Southeast Europe Connectivity Forum II 2024. Photo source: Shipping Ministry

The interconnectivity of ports in Northern Greece with the Western Balkans to create “an even bigger common market” is a priority for the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.

Speaking at the Southeast Europe Connectivity Forum II on October 22 in Thessaloniki, Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Christos Stylianidis highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity in the region.

“The vast EU common market will be connected to an even larger market, encompassing countries currently negotiating their membership in the European Union,” he stated during a discussion with Ino Afentouli, Executive Director of the Institute of International Relations (IDIS).

“Our main goal is to enhance connectivity, facilitating the Western Balkans’ closer integration with the European Union. Simultaneously, Greece and Thessaloniki will evolve into central hubs that will attract attention. They will serve as gateways for European products to reach the Middle East and for Asian products to enter Europe.”

Additionally, during the discussion, and on a different topic, Stylianidis announced plans to visit Türkiye on November 22 for talks with Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, focusing on maritime issues. He underscored the importance of fostering a friendly and constructive dialogue between the two nations in the maritime sector.

Stylianidis and Nikoloski discuss connectivity benefits

Transportation Minister of Northern Macedonia Alexandr Nikoloski (second from left) Shipping Minister Christos Stylianidis during their meeting. Photo source: Shipping Ministry

The Greek minister also met with Northern Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation, Alexandr Nikoloski, on the sidelines of the forum. The two officials discussed several topics of bilateral interest, particularly focusing on port development.

Stylianidis highlighted that the growth of Greece and the Port of Thessaloniki is also beneficial for Northern Macedonia. He noted that the Greek government is committed to resolving bilateral issues to enhance the well-being of citizens in both countries, aiming to establish the region as one of stability that capitalizes on its advantages.

Rail and natural gas pipeline projects

Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski confirmed the strengthening of Northern Macedonia’s economic ties with Greece, underlining that cooperation serves the best interests of both nations.

Nikoloski indicated that his government plans to prioritize rail connections with Greece, expressing intentions to rebuild the rail line to facilitate trains traveling up to 120 kilometers per hour.

Furthermore, he announced that Northern Macedonia aims to reduce its dependence on Russian natural gas and has initiated a tender for constructing a natural gas pipeline connecting to Greece, specifically targeting Thessaloniki.

A leading international conference on transport, infrastructure and connectivity, the Southeast Europe Connectivity Forum II took place at the Makedonia Palace hotel in Thessaloniki during October 22-23.