BRATISLAVA, February 23, (WEBNOVINY) — First Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Jan Figel (KDH) met with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during his visit to Russia. High on the agenda of their talks was transport. Figel admitted restoration of flights between Bratislava and Moscow, saying he considers this possibility very realistic. During the discussion on the wide-gauge track project, Figel stated that a four-party analysis of its extension is underway, with Ukraine, Austria, Russia and Slovakia participating in it. „The figures confirmed technical and legal feasibility of the project, which however is very difficult in terms of economic and financial aspects,“ said the Minister of Transport.
Figel reasoned the reserved position of the Slovak government on this project by lack of finances for such extensive investments. He said that it was impossible to see the question of money only in black and white but it was necessary to consider a rate of return and a business plan of the project, which, if it is rational, the private sector and banks would support. “If the project is irrational, there is no point for us to pour money in it,” explained Figel.
The minister also confirmed Slovakia’s interest in modernization of the wide-gauge railway track and its transship points in Slovakia. “I interpreted Slovakia’s interest in modernization of the wide-gauge track as it has not only been in Slovakia’s possession for decades but we have also been using it,” informed the minister. He said that this infrastructure does not only need investments but also higher intensity of use. “It is only worth to discuss further investments if it is proved that it is not only infrastructure but mainly amounts and goods that use the wide-gauge track and in this respect I would like to assure the Russian side and Slovak public that modernization of the wide-gauge track and transship points is very important for the future of not only eastern Slovakia but the whole Slovak economy,” added Figel.
The minister also met with chief executive of Russian Railways Vladimir Yakunin, who confirmed the company’s interest in access to infrastructure of EU countries and cooperation with railway operators of EU member states. “The wide-gauge track project is advantageous in practical and economic respect but if Slovakia decides not to participate in and support it, another way will be found,“ he said.
The Slovak Transport Minister stated that government’s program statement stipulates finding a strategic partner for the Slovak freight rail company Cargo Slovakia, which is currently also operating on the wide-gauge track. “Two systems – two parts of Europe – meet in Slovakia and they should make a whole not formally but also in practice. And it is Slovakia that can and should fulfill this challenge,“ said Figel after the meeting.
Figel and Putin also tackled energy sector issues. Figel reported that Russia was ready to draw up a new ten-year contract on crude-oil supplies to Slovakia. Russia is also interested in further investments in the area of nuclear power within projects that are currently underway in Slovakia. Russia is ready to not only continue supplying oil, gas or nuclear fuel but also to improve the supplies, said Figel.
SITA