Over 4 million cars and more than 11 million passengers pass through the Kapikule-Kapitan Andreevo border crossing every year – the busiest land border in the world. This intensive traffic requires urgent modernization of the existing infrastructure and the construction of new border facilities. This was the main focus of the meeting organized by Minister of Transport and Communications Korman Ismailov with Turkey's Ambassador to Bulgaria Mehmet Sait Uyanık.
The talks were also attended by Minister of Environment and Water Yuliyan Popov, Deputy Minister of Energy Teodora Georgieva, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"I have invited other colleagues to speed up the dialogue, build on what has already been started and discuss new initiatives. Our goal is to resolve the issues operationally and with concrete results, "Minister Ismailov said.
Ambassador Uyanık noted that the waiting time at the border crossing point has increased significantly in the last month. Instead of the usual 1,500 cars per day, about 1,200 cars currently pass through the point, which creates additional stress on logistics and transport flows.
During the meeting, the importance of the forthcoming construction of the new border railway transition at Lesovo was emphasized. The project is key to meeting the growing needs of businesses and easing car traffic in the region.
The parties also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the construction of strategic infrastructure sites. Ambassador Uyanık pointed out that Turkish companies are interested in the construction of the Black Sea Highway and stated that the project will be implemented within three years.
During the talks, topics related to the management of water resources and their sustainable use were discussed.
