Thessaloniki - Istanbul Railway Line Can Be Opened In Autumn

ATHENS - Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim said on Wednesday that Thessaloniki-Istanbul railway line could be opened in autumn.
Yildirim met with Greek Transportation Minister Mihalis Liapis in Piraeus, Greece.
Yildirim said after the meeting that they took up starting trips on Thessaloniki-Istanbul railway line, adding that they aimed to open the line in autumn.
Noting that technical groups would complete their studies for opening of Istanbul-Thessaloniki highway as well, Yildirim said that they discussed providing finance from Europe for this highway. He added that they also took up elimination of difficulties for tourists who would come from Europe to Turkey via Italy and Greece and development of cooperation between two countries on communication field.
Greek Transportation Minister Liapis said that they were pleased to host Yildirim in Greece and added that Turkish-Greek friendship was confirmed one more time.
Noting that they exchanged views with Yildirim on every issue which concern both countries, Liapis said that they took up accelerating activities to open Thessaloniki-Istanbul railway line in October.
Liapis said that Yildirim told him that Turkey was ready to help Greece during Athens Olympic Games, adding that he was appreciated with this proposal.
Yildirim is expected to return to Turkey on Thursday.
(GC-AY) 09.06.2004