The Rudozem–Xanthi crossing has reopened after 81 years

A new border crossing, Rudozem–Xanthi, which had been closed for 81 years, has reopened, reports BNR's Katya Peeva, who is based in Greece.

A ceremony was held on the Greek side of the border to mark the opening of the road, which connects Bulgaria and Greece, to light vehicles with a load capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes. Officials, ministers and citizens from both countries attended the ceremony.
Greek media outlets are emphasising the tourist potential of the Rudozem–Xanthi crossing.

According to travel agencies, the new border crossing will ease travel for both Bulgaria and Greece. Greek tourists now have direct access to the Bulgarian ski resort of Pamporovo and the town of Smolyan in the Rhodope Mountains. Similarly, Bulgarians will have faster access to the shores of Kavala and the city of Xanthi.

The Xanthi–Smolyan section forms part of a European transport route, with the construction of the border crossing financed by the EU.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov

Edited and posted in English by E. Radkova