Ukraine, Romania launching Kiev-Bucharest direct rail service in test mode

MOSCOW. Aug 8 (Interfax) - A direct rail service between Kiev and Bucharest is being launched in test mode, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga said.

"A direct rail service between Kiev and Bucharest is being launched in test mode as early as today [on Thursday]. Two special railcars will be sent to the Romanian capital via Chisinau. They will return to Kiev tomorrow," Ukrainian media quoted Sibiga as saying at a press conference with Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Toiu in Kiev.

Sibiga thanked Romania for the prompt construction of a new bridge over the Tisza River, which will make it possible to open a new checkpoint, Belaya Tserkov-Sighetu Marmatiei, on the Ukrainian-Romanian border in the near term.

Ukraine also plans to open its consulate in Sighetu Marmatiei before the end of this year, he said.