Moldova, Ukraine open new joint border crossing point

Chisinau, 28 December /MOLDPRES/ - People due to cross the Moldovan-Ukrainian border through the crossing point Palanca-Mayaki-Udobnoye will be subjected to a single control and the time of waiting in customs will be shortened considerably. Prime Minister Pavel Filip and President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko today participated in the inauguration of the new joint border crossing point, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.     

The PM said that this investment was an example of efficient use of money provided by EU for the direct benefit of citizens. He stressed that the advantages of the joint control would be felt by each person due to cross the border. Citizens will no longer stay in queue for hours and customs officers and border policemen will be able to process twice as many vehicles as they have done so far.    

„This crossing point, built according to European standards, brings us also closer to Europe and is, first of all, for the benefit of those who will cross the border. We have managed to construct a modern infrastructure here. At the same time, we speak also about better working conditions for the employees of the Border Police and Customs,” Pavel Filip said.

At the same time, the prime minister noted that the opening of the new border crossing point was an extra proof of the friendship relations between Moldova and Ukraine. “This is the sixth joint border control point and an example when Moldova has possibility to control the frontier on the central segment,” the PM added.  

For his part, Petro Poroshenko highlighted the importance of the joint projects and of joining efforts in the European aspirations of the two countries. “The today’s event is an example of unity – only through joint effort, we have been able to ensure a high level of security and stability in the region,” the Ukrainian president stressed.  

For the first time ever, a pedestrian checkpoint was built for the people who have farmlands beyond the Odessa-Reni highway. Through this point, the border could be crossed by foot or bicycle.   

The new crossing point was constructed within a project implemented by UNDP Moldova, worth 6.18 million euros, of which 4.5 million euros was provided by the European Union and 1.68 million euros – by Moldova’s government.  

Presently, joint control is enforced at six crossing points: Criva-Mamaliga, Larga-Kelmentsy, Briceni-Rossoshany, Giurgiulesti-Reni, Kuchurgan-Pervomaysk and Palanca-Mayaki-Udobnoye.