A new border crossing point between Romania and Ukraine

"The opening of a new border crossing point with Ukraine attests to the relations and solidarity between the two countries", said Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca.

He participated, together with his Ukrainian counterpart Denis Smihal, at the opening of the Vicovu de Sus - Krasnoilsk Customs Point.

The new border crossing point from Vicovu de Sus - Krasnoilsk is the first to open since 1999 and will facilitate the transit of people and goods between Ukraine and Romania, but also to the countries of the European Union, stating that Ukraine needs more than ever the solidarity of the European community, a community that believes in freedom and the sovereign right of each state to decide its future, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said today.

Nicolae Ciuca: The mobility of people and goods at this moment for Ukraine is gaining vital relevance. We can say at this moment that over 6.5 million tons of grain were exported from Ukraine through the Romanian infrastructure, the railway and road, through the ports of Constanta and Galati. There are still future plans to be able to facilitate the opening of more border crossings.

Reporter: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Smihal specified that the inauguration of this new border point was foreseen since 2012, by intergovernmental agreement, and the opening of seven other border points between Romania and Ukraine is still being pursued.

Denis Smihal: Our meeting today, the opening of this crossing point represents a rapprochement between our states and confirms our path towards European integration. We met at a very difficult time for Ukraine, when the aggressor is destroying all of Ukraine's critical infrastructure, especially as winter approaches. We are grateful to the Romanian side for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Translated by: Radu Matei