Bochvarski, Momirović hand out e-toll cards to citizens of Serbia at Tabanovce border crossing
Kumanovo, 20 July 2021 (MIA) – North Macedonia’s Minister of Transport and Communications Blagoj Bochvarski and Serbia’s Minister of Infrastructure, Construction and Transport Tomislav Momirović handed over free e-toll cards to Serbian tourists at the Tabanovce border crossing on Tuesday.
So far, the Ministry of Interior has distributed over 41,000 e-toll cards. The measure is being implemented in line with a Government’s decision dated June 15, as a token of gratitude to Serbia for its donation of COVID-19 vaccines earlier in the year.
According to Bochvarski and Momirović, the joint measures and decisions only reaffirm the friendly relations between the two countries.
“This process continues. I’m convinced that this act of gratitude is accepted and I believe that the practice of good neighborliness even in the most difficult times will continue to be realized on both sides,” Bochvarski said.
His counterpart Momirović said Serbia attaches a great deal of importance to relations with North Macedonia, highlighting good neighborly relations, common history, as well as close relations between citizens.
“This was especially evident during the global pandemic when Serbia showed willingness to stand up bravely for its neighbors, and it will continue to do so. As a token of gratitude, the Government of North Macedonia decided to provide the citizens of Serbia with free smart cards during the season. On behalf of the citizens of Serbia, I thank the Government of North Macedonia for the distribution of the smart cards, which we can use on their roads all summer long. This gesture will give a strong signal to the Mini Schengen, initiated by President Vučić, Prime Minister Zaev, for the purpose of expanding the common economic space, increasing the flow of people and goods, boosting the competitiveness of the region,” said Momirović.
Bochvarski extended gratitude for the donated vaccines, inviting Serbian tourists to visit the centers. The two ministers pointed out that regional cooperation is extremely important, and contributes to a better life for the citizens. Bochvarski noted in terms of railway infrastructure, a joint project on a railway station at Tabanovce is underway, which includes a One Stop Shop for customs and border procedures to provide for swift flow of passengers and goods. He added that the project is ready and additional funds are expected so that implementation can start.
“The Minister and I will also discuss the possibility to reintroduce traffic on the high-speed passenger train along the Belgrade-Skopje-Thessaloniki route. In terms of Corridor 10, both countries have developed a modern road connection. We must use this advantage of the Corridor 10 in the best possible way by enabling fast flow of goods and passengers at the border crossings through fast lanes,” said Bochvarski.
He added that for the first time in the country work is underway to introduce intelligent transport system, communication and information systems for control and management of traffic on the Corridor, enabling safe and uninterrupted traffic. According to the Minister, in line with the Agreement for Transport of Passengers and Goods signed in 1996, the two ministries exchange a satisfactory number of licenses for both countries, and the transport of goods takes place without licenses. Bochvarski pointed out that the Skopje-Belgrade airline has also been established. He stressed the importance of development of the region, which according to him is necessary for overall prosperity.
“In that regard, the Republic of North Macedonia remains a partner with its neighbors in creating common policies and measures to increase regional cooperation, to facilitate trade and transport. This is how we create a new image for the whole Balkans. We remain even more committed to our path to the European Union,” said Bochvarski.
“This process continues. I’m convinced that this act of gratitude is accepted and I believe that the practice of good neighborliness even in the most difficult times will continue to be realized on both sides,” Bochvarski said.
His counterpart Momirović said Serbia attaches a great deal of importance to relations with North Macedonia, highlighting good neighborly relations, common history, as well as close relations between citizens.
“This was especially evident during the global pandemic when Serbia showed willingness to stand up bravely for its neighbors, and it will continue to do so. As a token of gratitude, the Government of North Macedonia decided to provide the citizens of Serbia with free smart cards during the season. On behalf of the citizens of Serbia, I thank the Government of North Macedonia for the distribution of the smart cards, which we can use on their roads all summer long. This gesture will give a strong signal to the Mini Schengen, initiated by President Vučić, Prime Minister Zaev, for the purpose of expanding the common economic space, increasing the flow of people and goods, boosting the competitiveness of the region,” said Momirović.
Bochvarski extended gratitude for the donated vaccines, inviting Serbian tourists to visit the centers. The two ministers pointed out that regional cooperation is extremely important, and contributes to a better life for the citizens. Bochvarski noted in terms of railway infrastructure, a joint project on a railway station at Tabanovce is underway, which includes a One Stop Shop for customs and border procedures to provide for swift flow of passengers and goods. He added that the project is ready and additional funds are expected so that implementation can start.
“The Minister and I will also discuss the possibility to reintroduce traffic on the high-speed passenger train along the Belgrade-Skopje-Thessaloniki route. In terms of Corridor 10, both countries have developed a modern road connection. We must use this advantage of the Corridor 10 in the best possible way by enabling fast flow of goods and passengers at the border crossings through fast lanes,” said Bochvarski.
He added that for the first time in the country work is underway to introduce intelligent transport system, communication and information systems for control and management of traffic on the Corridor, enabling safe and uninterrupted traffic. According to the Minister, in line with the Agreement for Transport of Passengers and Goods signed in 1996, the two ministries exchange a satisfactory number of licenses for both countries, and the transport of goods takes place without licenses. Bochvarski pointed out that the Skopje-Belgrade airline has also been established. He stressed the importance of development of the region, which according to him is necessary for overall prosperity.
“In that regard, the Republic of North Macedonia remains a partner with its neighbors in creating common policies and measures to increase regional cooperation, to facilitate trade and transport. This is how we create a new image for the whole Balkans. We remain even more committed to our path to the European Union,” said Bochvarski.
