The parties discussed the priorities of cooperation for the nearest future, in particular on coordination of efforts related to combating organized cross-border crime and terrorism.

The Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine met with the interim Deputy Secretary of State for Public Security, Democracy and Human Rights, the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator Nathan Sales in Kyiv.

During the meeting the parties discussed the main aspects of implementation of the state policy in the field of the state border protection, integrated border management and integration into the single European and world security space. In particular, it concerns joint patrolling in the border area with the EU countries and Moldova, improving the quality of control procedures, counteracting cross-border crime and smuggling activities.

Head of the State Border Guard Service Serhii Deineko spoke about reforming the Border Guard Agency and improving the system of combating corruption, and also to continue optimizing the structure of the agency and bringing the ratio of administrative and functional positions to international standards, including senior and junior officer staff. It was also emphasized that the reorganization of the central office was completed (15 departments were reformed into 5), the similar reorganisation of Regional Directorates was ongoing, and number of general positions were reduced.

The parties also discussed the situation in the area of ​ Joint Forces Operation as well as on the administrative border with temporarily occupied Crimea.

Mr Nathan Sales said: “We highly appreciate the fight you are leading in the East of your country, protecting human rights in Europe. The Russian aggression shows us how important it is to strengthen our cooperation, which includes the fight against cross-border terrorism. "

In his turn, Serhii Deineko expressed his gratitude for support and assistance provided by the US to the Border Guard Service of Ukraine and noted that it is extremely important for further development of the SBGSU and for improving the effectiveness of Ukraine's state border protection.

At the end of the meeting, the parties discussed the priorities of cooperation for the nearest future, in particular on coordination of efforts related to combating organized cross-border crime and terrorism.