In a recent announcement, Kostas Frangoyannis, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for Economic Diplomacy of Greece, revealed the commencement of construction for a new bridge at the Ipsala border in 2024.
This bridge is set to facilitate smoother transitions between Turkey and Greece, marking a significant stride in the travel and tourism sector of both nations.
Frangoyannis, in an interview with Parapolitika newspaper, discussed the positive trajectory of relations with Turkey and the prevailing topics of interest. He emphasized that the relations are flourishing in 29 areas including transport, environment, small and medium-sized enterprises, and notably, tourism, without touching upon sensitive issues in bilateral relations.
He noted that significant steps have been taken in the first three years of this positive agenda to ease bilateral trade, revitalize tourism, and develop cooperation in civil protection areas. The positive climate in bilateral relations was also agreed upon in the meetings between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in New York.
Frangoyannis and his counterpart, Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akçapar, also had a productive and concise meeting in New York. “Our common goal is to sign memoranda and agreements on certain activities at the Summit to be held in Thessaloniki on December 7,” Frangoyannis stated.
He emphasized that the positive agenda will also provide practical benefits for the people of both countries. The construction of a second bridge at the Ipsala border for vehicle passage, set to begin within 2024, will bring substantial ease in transport and trade.
This new development promises to significantly ease vehicular passage, potentially reducing wait times and making the journey smoother and more enjoyable. As you plan your road trip to discover the historic allure and natural beauty of Greece, you might also be interested in the latest accommodations the country has to offer. To help you find the perfect place to stay, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on “New Hotels in Greece“.
Frangoyannis also highlighted the necessity of cooperation in the areas of climate crisis and irregular migration and expressed optimism regarding the continuation of “calm” between Turkey and Greece.
This development is a beacon of hope for the tourism industry, promising enhanced connectivity and cooperation between the two nations. It is anticipated to foster economic growth and cultural exchange, enriching the travel experiences of tourists and facilitating business operations across the borders. The bridge is not just a physical connection but also a symbol of the harmonious future that lies ahead for Turkey and Greece.