Skopje, 25 October 2024 (MIA) - The gas interconnector with Greece and the fast rail are top priorities because Macedonia can develop further by collecting fees from gas transit and railway transport, says Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski.

Minister Nikoloski told TV21 that the tender for construction of the gas interconnector was published a week ago and bids are expected in November.

"We can build this connector in 2-3 years, resulting in gas links from Alexandroupolis via Thessaloniki, Gevgelija, Skopje, up to Kumanovo, thus reducing dependency from Russian gas, since the only gas currently available is the one from Gazprom coming through Bulgaria. We also signed a memorandum of understanding with Serbia over the construction of an interconnector, which means that Macedonia can serve as transit country for the majority of the gas used in Central Europe. We should be smart, since the country can develop further by collecting fees from gas transit and railway transport," says Nikoloski.

On the 400KW power transmission line from Ohrid to Albania's Elbasan, the Minister says two options are currently mulled with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and adds that the Government is committed to constructing the line in the coming years.

Photo: Screenshot