Shorouk Express
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Bulgaria plans to
invest $1.8 billion in railway network as part of Azerbaijan-led
Middle Corridor, said former Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev
in an exclusive interview with Trend.
“We are making this investment to link the highly modern Baku
port with Europe. Cargo from China will arrive in Baku, travel via
the Baku-Kars railway, pass through Türkiye, and then move from the
Turkish border to Serbia via Bulgaria. We are building high-speed
rail, ensuring that in a few years, there will be a modern railway
connection from Baku to the heart of Europe along the Middle
Corridor,” Plevneliev said.
He emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to new strategic projects
that will yield significant results.
“The Southern Gas Corridor is already expanding and will supply
even more gas to Europe and Bulgaria. Bulgaria will serve as a hub
for new gas interconnectors with Romania, Serbia, and Greece,
allowing Azerbaijani gas to reach Central and Eastern Europe,
including Ukraine. We have a clear agreement on this,” he
added.
Plevneliev also highlighted Bulgaria’s role in the emerging
green energy corridor, which will connect the Caspian Sea and
Azerbaijan with Europe.
“This project will attract billions in investment and boost
trade. Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, and
Georgia see this green energy corridor as just as important as the
Southern Gas Corridor. In the coming days, our ministers will be
working to achieve concrete results,” he noted.
He also praised the Global Baku Forum as a key platform for
international cooperation and sustainable development.
“The forum will bring together a large number of current and
former heads of state and government from around the world,
representing nearly every continent. It’s an inclusive platform
where all key players – China, Europe, the U.S., Central Asia,
Africa – will have a voice. We will listen, exchange ideas, and
seek long-term, sustainable solutions. This is possible thanks to
the legacy of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center,” he
said.
Plevneliev added that the forum will build on the outcomes of
COP29, where he was part of the Advisory Council under Azerbaijan’s
chairmanship.
“I saw firsthand how complex the negotiations were, but we
achieved results of historic significance. Now, we must move
forward toward COP30. The forum will also focus on new
technologies, AI regulation, and the role of young leaders in
tackling global challenges. We will hear fresh perspectives on
shaping the future and discuss concrete steps for advancing
technology and AI governance. It promises to be a fascinating
event,” he concluded.
