Ukraine, Slovakia to sign documents on joint control at border crossings

MOSCOW. Oct 7 (Interfax) - Ukraine and Slovakia plan to sign a number of documents before the end of 2024 on introducing joint control at crossing points along the two countries' border, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said.

"We have reached an agreement to complete the work on eight bilateral documents, including a document on joint control at border crossings. We expect to sign them before the end of this year," Ukrainian media outlets quoted Shmygal as saying on social media following the second intergovernmental consultations with Slovakia on Monday.

Since the first consultations, Ukraine and Slovakia have made progress in fulfilling their roadmap for joint action, Shmygal said, adding that some of its measures have been implemented in full and the others are in their final stages.

In addition, the two countries have made good headway in implementing energy and infrastructure projects, he said.

"The Slovak government has recently approved the framework program for participation in Ukraine's recovery. Joint energy, transport and infrastructure projects will facilitate the development of border regions," he said.

The parties also discussed Slovakia's readiness to share its experience and provide expert assistance to Ukraine on its way to the European Union, Shmygal said.

Furthermore, Shmygal told journalists that Ukraine and Slovakia plan to launch an alternative rail route between Kiev and Bratislava.

"We plan to launch an alternative Kiev-Bratislava train service to be extended to Vienna with the transfer option in Chop," he said.

Another project in the pipeline is to develop the Chop- Cierna nad Tisou cross-border rail route, he said.

Ukraine and Slovakia have also agreed to create an East European energy hub, Shmygal said.

"Its purpose is to make use of our gas storage facilities, develop the interconnector in Mukachevo and advance cooperation in the nuclear sector. This will strengthen the energy security of our states and the European region as a whole," Shmygal said.