Montenegro and Italy to enhance cooperation in rail transport area

Roma, Italy (13 March 2014) -- Montenegro's Transport Minister Ivan Brajović met with Director of the Italian Railways Italy Mauro Moretti.

Minister Brajović emphasised the good cooperation established in carrying out a study on reconstructing the Belgrade – Bar railway, for which the Italian Government has allocated EUR 1.1 million, and which was done by the Italferr, one of the most prestigious companies in the field of design and consulting services of railway infrastructure.

He also reiterated that Italian Minister of Transport Maurizio Lupi, at yesterday's meeting, promised that Italy, during its presidency of the European Union, will seek a part of the EU funds to be opted for the reconstruction of the Belgrade – Bar railway, as well as for other infrastructure projects that are to be implemented in Montenegro.

Mr Moretti expressed willingness to share experiences related to the Italian railways with Montenegro's officials, thus contributing to the improvement of the Montenegrin railway companies’ operations. He presented to Minister Brajović the organisational structure of the Italian railways, technical developments in the field of infrastructure and railway rolling stock, as well as the projects that are currently being implemented.

The meeting also addressed possibilities for enhancing cooperation in the process of privatisation of the railway companies in Montenegro, as well as in the transfer of knowledge and experience in the process of harmonisation with the EU regulations, and safety management system in the field of railway transport.