Ukraine's Reni checkpoint works to launch joint customs, border controls with Moldova enter final stage

MOSCOW. Feb 5 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Ministry of Restoration jointly with the State Restoration Agency are finalizing works at the Reni road border checkpoint for launching joint customs and border controls with Moldova, Ukrainian media reported, citing the ministry.

"The first step on the way to create a 'green corridor' between the checkpoints of the three countries (Reni (Ukraine) - Giurgiulesti (Moldova) - Galati (Romania) checkpoints) is the launch of joint controls between Ukraine and Moldova. To create such an opportunity we have actually completed the repair of the Reni border checkpoint, where the services of both countries will be operating," Ukrainian Deputy Restoration Minister Sergei Derkach was quoted in a statement as saying at a meeting in Brussels dealing with the development of export opportunities.

The Brussels meeting was attended by representatives of Moldova and Romania under the coordination of the European Commission and the United States.

Working meetings with Moldovan and Romanian counterparts are scheduled in February to define the mechanism of the passage of trucks from Reni to Galati, he said. The customs clearance procedure and the number of personnel will also be worked on. The work with international partners on further development of the Reni border checkpoint continues.

"The Romanian side affirmed the further development of the Constanta port to increase the export capacity at the meeting. International funding has been obtained for this purpose. The parties also agreed that the development of the Danube ports is a strategic issue along with the operation of a temporary sea corridor from the Greater Odessa ports," the statement said.

Moldova and Romania began talks in October 2023 to establish a 'green corridor' between the Reni-Giurgiulesti-Galati checkpoints in order to accelerate the movement of goods and exports of Ukrainian agricultural products, the ministry said. These checkpoints are strategic for goods being shipped by road to the ports, in particular, to Romania's Galati.

The plan for launching the 'green corridor' envisages reconstruction of the Reni-Galati highway and its expansion from two to four lanes, as well as additional technical equipment of border checkpoints.