Slovak president: “Port of Trieste, a gateway to the sea for Bratislava”

TRIESTE – This afternoon, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini visited the Port of Trieste aboard a Coast Guard vessel.

After boarding the *Nave Corsi CP 906* at Pier IV, the Slovak head of state had the opportunity to view the port infrastructure from the sea and receive a detailed briefing on the port’s features and development projects. He expressed appreciation for the port’s central role as a logistics and commercial hub both nationally and internationally.

Also on board were Vittorio Torbianelli, Special Commissioner of the Port Network Authority, and Antonio Gurrieri, current Secretary General and future President of the Authority.

The presentation took place during a working visit organized by honorary consul Luca Farina as part of the President’s official trip to Italy. Pellegrini also met with Friuli Venezia Giulia’s President, Massimiliano Fedriga: “President Pellegrini and I reaffirmed the importance of our countries’ historic, cultural, and economic ties. In particular, we discussed the strategic role of our region for the Slovak Republic,” Fedriga said. “He expressed hope that this visit would further strengthen the already active relations with the Port of Trieste, with the goal of making it Bratislava’s gateway to the sea.”

Fedriga also emphasized Friuli Venezia Giulia’s ambition to become a key hub within the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor), and welcomed Slovakia’s interest—given its strategic location and robust river port and intermodal network, despite lacking direct sea access.

During the meeting, President Pellegrini highlighted the need to strengthen rail links between Trieste and Bratislava. He also referenced a strategic historical asset in Slovakia: the Cierna nad Tisou terminal, a gateway between Europe and Ukraine. This site has already seen significant investment through EU funds and could become a key platform for further trade between FVG and Central/Eastern Europe.

Today, 85% of Trieste’s freight traffic is linked to Central and Eastern Europe. Countries like Hungary are already pursuing infrastructure projects in the international port of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Slovakia is increasingly seen as a promising partner. In fact, around 500 trains are expected to depart from the Port of Trieste to Slovakia by the end of 2024.