Greece proposes launching trains to Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova to facilitate Ukrainian exports

MOSCOW. Oct 19 (Interfax) - Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras has proposed launching trains between Greece, Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania to facilitate communication with Ukraine, Ukrainian media said, quoting the media outlet Noi.md.

The minister proposed at a summit in Varna, Bulgaria, on October 9, that train service be launched to diversify trade routes between Mediterranean ports and Ukraine, the report said.

The Greek government suggests train service between the Greek ports of Alexandroupolis and Thessaloniki, the Bulgarian port of Ruse in Bulgaria, and the Romanian port of Constanta, which will be extended to Moldova and Ukraine later. The project could serve as an interstate trade alternative and strengthen transport links and international freight transport, Greece said.

Staikouras sent a related letter of intent to European Transport Commissioner Adina Valean, Bulgarian Finance Minister Asen Vasilev, Bulgarian Transport and Communications Minister Georgi Gvozdeykov, and Romanian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Sorin Grindeanu.

As reported, the European Union is studying alternate routes for Ukrainian grain via Italy and Greece.