“Due to the high level of trust and mutual understanding, bilateral cooperation between the border agencies of Ukraine and Romania continues to develop dynamically”.

“Due to the high level of trust and mutual understanding, bilateral cooperation between the border agencies of Ukraine and Romania continues to develop dynamically”.

This was stated by the First Deputy Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Volodymyr Nikiforenko today, July 14, at the meeting with the Chief Border Commissioner of Romania Liviu Bute.

In Constanta, Ukrainian and Romanian border delegates discussed the situation at the state border, analyzed the state of its protection and exchanged information on combating illegal activities.

Volodymyr Nikiforenko stressed that the protection of the border with the EU countries, and Romania in particular, is one of the priorities of the Border Guard Service of Ukraine. He also noted that despite the implementation of quarantine measures since March 2019, which certainly affected the system of protection of the common border, the general situation at the common border remains dynamic and controlled.

For his part, Liviu Bute noted the high level of coherence and cooperation between the border units of Ukraine and Romania during quarantine measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, which allowed for routine access procedures.

Separately, the head of the Romanian border department praised the dynamics of the international technical assistance project to modernize the border infrastructure in order to intensify law enforcement measures at the Ukrainian-Romanian state border, aimed at improving border infrastructure and equipment to combat crime effectively.

He also expressed interest in the possible development of joint bilateral cooperation projects.

At the same time, the parties noted the main threats, among which illegal migration and economic smuggling, especially that of cigarettes remain. In particular, Ukrainian border guards noted that the most vulnerable part of the border is within the Chernivtsi region, and this fact is explained by both the complex terrain and the cross-border nature of illegal activities. Also during the meeting, the issue of illegal use of small aircraft by violators for the purpose of smuggling tobacco products, use of off-road vehicles and thermal imaging optical devices to expose border patrols was emphasized.

“Under such conditions, timely exchange of information on possible preparation for illegal activities, mutual assistance and cooperation of operational units of border agencies is very important. Experience shows that organization and conduct of joint activities significantly reduces the activities of groups involved in cross-border organized crime,” said the First Deputy Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Nikiforenko and Liviu Bute praised the further resumption of joint patrols, which were completely suspended due to the pandemic. They expressed confidence that such cooperation at the state border is an effective tool in combating illegal activities and contributes to the fight against cross-border crime.

Another issue discussed by the heads of delegations was the operation of checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Romanian border. They noted that the border movement of persons, vehicles and goods, in general, was carried out rhythmically, with the constant adaptation of access operations to quarantine restrictions.

“We are grateful to our Romanian colleagues that you remain our reliable partner. I am confident that we will continue to develop friendly relations between the border guards of Ukraine and Romania for the benefit of our peoples,” Volodymyr Nikiforenko, the First Deputy Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, summed up the meeting.