The Department for Transport and Communications is committed to achieving an efficient transport system that combines all modes of transport in a balanced way. This was stated by Deputy Minister Zhivko Petrov at the opening of a thematic day "Urbanization, Transport and Tourism" in the Bulgarian pavilion within the framework of the COP 29 Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
One of the main priorities is to limit the negative impact of transport on the environment and human health, he added. According to the Deputy Minister, many of the concrete initiatives are related to promoting the development of environmentally friendly modes of transport.
"In rail transport, our efforts are focused on digitalisation, the purchase of new rolling stock with high environmental performance, and the use of safety and security systems. In water transport, we are developing port infrastructure and promoting effective links with the country's road and rail systems. The implementation of systems and facilities for information service and pollution reduction continues," said Zhivko Petrov. He stressed the importance of combined transport, in which environmentally friendly transport prevails.
Deputy Minister Petrov told the participants in the Bulgarian pavilion that in the field of air transport the implementation of highly efficient air traffic management systems continues, which contribute to safer and more environmentally friendly functioning of the sector.
During the event, the representatives of SOF Connect AD introduced the attendees to the measures taken by the airports to mitigate the effects of climate change, as well as the project for the construction of the new Terminal 3 at Sofia Airport.
At the invitation of the Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Deputy Minister Zhivko Petrov also participated in a ministerial roundtable on "Sustainable and Digital Development of the Middle Corridor and Beyond". In his speech he presented the potential of Bulgarian seaports for connectivity between Europe and Asia. Ministers from the Middle Corridor countries, representatives of the European Commission and EU Member States as well as representatives of the United Nations and international transport organisations took part in the round table.
