Istanbul: Trkiye and North Macedonia officials evaluated infrastructure investments and strategic partnerships in transportation corridors at a business forum in Istanbul. Organized by Trkiye's Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), the event hosted high-level officials from both countries, including North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu emphasized the growing historical ties between Trkiye and North Macedonia. He noted that regional conflicts have underscored the urgent need for developing alternative transport corridors. Trkiye has invested $355 billion in transportation infrastructure over the past 23 years, with expectations of contributing $2 trillion to the national economy over the next decade. This initiative is also projected to support the employment of 1.2 million people annually.
Uraloglu highlighted the cooperation agreement between the Turkish State Railways and North Macedonia's Railway Infrastructure Agency (PERI), which aims to enhance mutual cooperation. He detailed Trkiye's strategic position connecting Europe and Asia and mentioned the ongoing efforts to expand transit points. A significant loan of $6.75 billion was secured for the railway line passing through the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in Istanbul, funded by six international institutions led by the World Bank. Uraloglu also discussed the Development Road Corridor originating from the Gulf region, indicating its potential impact in mitigating issues like the Strait of Hormuz's traffic.
North Macedonian Government General Secretary Igor Janushev outlined his country's strategic focus on corridors eight and 10, intending to centralize the country in allies' strategic needs. North Macedonia plans to invest £5.5 billion ($6.4 billion) in infrastructure over the next five to seven years, with a strategic partnership agreement signed with the UK for project financing. Janushev acknowledged the active role of Turkish companies in North Macedonia's railway and highway projects. He announced plans to publish a £450 million tender for the third section of corridor eight in collaboration with the European Investment Bank and the EU within two to three weeks.