Türkiye and North Macedonia officials assessed infrastructure investment opportunities and explored strategic cooperation in key transport corridors during a business forum held in Istanbul. The business forum, organized on Friday by Türkiye’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), brought together senior representatives from both nations, including North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said that historical relations between Türkiye and North Macedonia have been strengthening steadily over time. He noted that ongoing conflicts in and around Türkiye’s region have caused the urgent need for establishing multiple alternative transportation corridors.
Türkiye has allocated approximately $355 billion to infrastructure development over the past 23 years, with a major share directed toward advancing transportation networks.
“We estimate that this will contribute $2 trillion to the national economy over the next 10 years; through this initiative, we are also contributing to the employment of 1.2 million people annually,” he added.
Uraloğlu underscored that the cooperation agreement between the Turkish State Railways and the North Macedonian Railway Infrastructure Agency (PERI) will play a significant role in strengthening bilateral ties. He highlighted Türkiye’s strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, emphasizing ongoing efforts to expand transit corridors.
Uraloğlu mentioned that Türkiye has secured a $6.75 billion loan from six international institutions, led by the World Bank, to finance the 120‑kilometer railway line crossing the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in Istanbul. He also referenced the planned Development Road Corridor linking the Gulf region, stressing its importance in reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.
The minister further affirmed Türkiye’s readiness to cooperate fully with North Macedonia and to share its expertise in infrastructure development.
North Macedonian Government Secretary General Igor Janushev said the country has developed Corridors eight and ten to align with the strategic priorities of its allies and strengthen its regional position. He noted that North Macedonia plans to invest €5.5 billion ($6.4 billion) in infrastructure over the next five to seven years and has signed a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom to support financing of these projects.
Janushev also highlighted the active role of Turkish companies in the country’s railway and highway developments. He announced that North Macedonia will soon launch a €450 million tender for the third section of Corridor eight, in cooperation with the European Investment Bank and the European Union.
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