High speed train between Porto and Galicia “is fundamental” for both regional economies

The Mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira, and the President of the Regional Government of Galicia, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, are in favour of the strategic project to link the North of Portugal and the region of Galicia, in Spain, by a high speed train to boost the economic growth of these two neighbouring regions.

This was one of the conclusions drawn during the conference “Galiza e Portugal – novos laços” [“Galicia and Portugal – new links”, free translation], which was held this morning, in A Coruña. This meeting was also targeted at governing authorities pointing what paths to take regarding economy, employment, mobility, infrastructures and tourism, in a time that is as challenging as ever, due to the ongoing world health crisis.

The debate cycle “Diálogos Gallaecia”, promoted by the EFE, Spanish news agency, in partnership with the communication agency Qualia featured a special guest, one that arrive from the other side of the border: Rui Moreira, Mayor of Porto, who had been with Alberto Núñez Feijóo a little over two weeks ago, at the time of the announcement of Braga – European Capital of Culture 2027; Rui Moreira once again joined the President of the Regional Government of Galicia, this time to address matters referring to a closer collaboration between the two territories.

The main issue was infrastructure; Núñez Feijóo considers “excellent news” that the Portuguese Government has given a clear sign regarding the creation of a high speed railway track between Porto-Lisboa. This rail track also includes a connection to Braga, which will foster investment in the direct axis of the north of Spain, via Tui. “This is a strategic railroad corridor”, vital for the long awaited link between A Coruña and the Algarve, the north and south ends of the East area of the Iberian Peninsula, as affirmed Feijóo.

In addition, Alberto Núñez Feijóo also warned that “it would be a grave error to continue without this rail connection, both in the exterior port A Coruña , as between Vigo and Portugal. “One cannot structure a territory if it is not connected”, he highlighted, cited by the EFE agency.

“This was an old dream and we can finally believe that it will go forward”, affirmed Rui Moreira, during the conference moderated by Ana Martínez, delegate at the EFE agency, in Galicia.

The Mayor of Porto also recalled that throughout these past twenty years, there have been a lot of promises and announcements, but now he believes that there is no turning back in the commitment taken, even if it takes seven to eight years to be fulfilled.