site.btaFAST Danube 2 Project Can Start Immediately after Romania Signs It, Says Deputy PM Zafirov

The Bulgarian state already has a ready solution for the FAST Danube 2 project aimed at improving navigation on the Danube River, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov told BTA. On Monday, Zafirov visited Romania and conferred with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in Bucharest. FAST Danube 2 was among the topics discussed.

"Our solution has been presented to the Romanian side in the form of a concrete agreement. The FAST Danube 2 project is awaiting Romania’s signature and can start immediately. Of course, after going through the necessary ratification by Bulgaria’s Parliament," Zafirov noted shortly after the meeting.

He stressed that the project would resolve many of the problems related to navigation on the Danube River, making it practically navigable throughout the entire year. "This project has so far been one of the obstacles to launching the other projects we discussed today with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu – the construction of bridges, facilities, ferry connections, and the opportunity for accelerated development of economic relations between the two countries," Zafirov clarified.

Answering a BTA question regarding deadlines for the listed projects, Zafirov said that talks about the second bridge between Ruse and Giurgiu are at a very advanced stage.

During the meeting in Bucharest, further discussions were held regarding opportunities to optimize trade and economic relations. "I voiced satisfaction with the level of our tourism ties, the possibility of creating joint brands to attract tourists from distant destinations, the good cooperation we have in border security through joint teams between Bulgaria, Romania, and Austria, as well as the positive cooperation with Romanian police officers who patrol Bulgarian resorts in winter and summer," the Bulgarian Deputy PM explained.

At the meeting with Ciolacu, Zafirov also raised the topic of the Nikopol-Turnu Magurele hydroelectric complex.

Atanas Zafirov highlighted that Romania is Bulgaria’s second largest foreign trade partner and described the relations in tourism and economy as excellent, and those in the fields of defence and security as good.