Skopje, 9 April 2026 (MIA) - The new geopolitical currents in the world are clear, and we need to be smart, our diplomacy should get on board the Three Seas Initiative at its inception as a geostrategic interest of the country, stressed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski at a panel discussion Thursday titled “Transport Corridors – a Geostrategic Prerequisite for Economic Prosperity and Security Architecture in Southeast Europe – Three Seas Initiative”, held at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia.

Nikoloski said the country has a lot to offer, as well as ways to join and cooperate. “On one hand we have the largest business corridor in Europe – Corridor X, which intersects with the second most important NATO security corridor – Corridor VIII. They give us better connectivity and a geostrategic advantage, that is why as a Government we are dedicating a lot of attention, energy, and investments to complete and modernize them,” Nikoloski said.

Regarding the country’s geopolitical positioning, Deputy PM Nikoloski said the Government’s policies are aimed at ensuring the country establishes itself as a strategic partner of the U.S. in the region.

“My visit to Washington, the current strategic dialogue taking place there, and the upcoming visit of the Minister of Finance to Washington show that we are trying to position ourselves in the region as strategic partners of the United States. If you add to that the government-to-government strategic partnership we signed last May in London with the United Kingdom, and the strategic partnership agreement we signed in July last year with Hungary, I think things are clear. The worst thing that can happen to a country is to fail to recognize the new geopolitical currents. We must be aware of the conditions we are in, the opportunities ahead of us, and make sure to seize them,” Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski. 

Nikoloski said through its investments, the Government is highlighting the importance of Corridor VIII and X as a geostrategic advantage in the region – both in terms of economic impact and security.

“Regarding Corridor X, we already have a functional motorway. Regarding the railway, last year we signed an agreement with the United Kingdom to build a high-speed line. Preparatory work is currently underway, with a deadline to finish by summer and begin work on the ground, aiming to complete the project within five years and, as promised, by the end of 2031. If you add to that the gas interconnector we are building with Greece, which will serve as a source for five alternative gas networks, the LNG agreement signed yesterday with the U.S., and the upcoming tender for the interconnector with Serbia, it means that quietly, without much fanfare, we in Macedonia are building an alternative to what is known as ‘Turkish Stream’ or ‘South Stream’,” said Nikoloski.

Nikoloski also highlighted the projects on Corridor X-d as well as the opportunity to connect Corridor X with Corridor IV in Bulgaria as investments that would provide an economic advantage and security in the decades to come.

Photo: Ministry of Transport