Russia, Bulgaria ink deal to set up railway, ferry transportation

Russia and Bulgaria signed an agreement to set up railway and ferry transportation service between Russia’s Port Kavkaz on the Kerch Strait and the Bulgarian Black Sea port of Varna.

The agreement was signed by Russian Transportation Minister Igor Levitin and Bulgarian Transportation Minister Peter Mutafchiev during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Bulgaria.

The agreement sets out the terms governing sea transportation between two countries, specifies the sea and railway operators carrying out transportation, and also specifies the parameters and conditions of the technological compatibility of both ports.

The agreement also leaves open the possibility of other countries participating.

The Kerch Strait connects the Black and Azov seas.