The third trilateral meeting of the Heads of security services of Moldova and Ukraine and the Acting Head of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) took place today.
‘EUBAM data shows that thanks to increasing cross border cooperation, the security situation at the Moldovan-Ukrainian border continues to improve' said Mr. Udo Burkholder, acting Head of EUBAM. ‘Naturally EUBAM is here to help our partners in any way we can' he added.
"Trilateral cooperation between EUBAM, the ISS of the Republic of Moldova and SS of Ukraine is an important input in strengthening European security. It allows not only for the better counteracion of threats on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border but also positively affects the level of security for people of our countries" the head of the Security Service of Ukraine Valentyn Nalyvaichenko said. "Cooperation with European Union institutions always was and is now extremely important element of the European integration process for Moldova and Ukraine." he noted.
"A high level of credibility and openness should be noted with regard to cooperation with the special services of Ukraine and the European partners in information exchange and clear coordination of actions when carrying out joint operations. However, the unsettled Transdniestrian conflict continues to generate risks and threats for regional security which necessitates the consolidation of joint actions in maintenance of cross-border security" said Mr Gheorghe Mihai, Director of the Information and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova.
The Acting Head of EUBAM, Udo Burkholder, the Director of the Information and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova (ISS) Gheorghe Mihai and the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) Valentyn Nalyvaichenko summarized the joint achievements in combating the cross border crime and discussed plans for future cooperation.
The parties reviewed the results of trilateral cooperation in the context of the Joint Declaration signed between the security services of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and EUBAM in 2006 and acknowledged that cooperation between the services and EUBAM had led to positive results.
Since the last trilateral meeting held on 21 January 2009, information and analytical data exchange between Moldovan and Ukrainian partners has increased significantly. Joint analytical work on smuggling and illegal migration are cases in point. Cooperation with EU member states and international law enforcement agencies has also risen.
The heads of services noted that the permanent status of the two joint working groups established in 2009 should achieve significant results in the short and long term. The groups meet and share information regularly on fighting illegal migration and combating illicit drug trafficking, smuggling of goods and vehicles and counteraction of customs violations.
Joint border control operations were also considered a success. The ISS and SSU played important roles in organizing the 6th Joint Border Control Operation NIKONIY, which was conducted by nine partner services of Moldova and Ukraine in cooperation with neighbouring countries, international partners and EUBAM. The operation resulted in the detection of a number illegal activities, including smuggling, illegal migration and customs fraud.
All agreed that further cooperation should focus on proactive information exchange to identify potential threats and trends and to ensure swift responses to emerging border security threats.
For additional information please contact
EUBAM: Maryna Reshetnyak, PR Associate, EUBAM, tel./fax: +38 0482 36 52 74, mob. +38 050 391 09 04, e-mail: [email protected]; and Matthew Taylor, Reporting and Communications Officer, EUBAM, tel.: +38 0482 36 52 63, mob.: +38 050 413 91 34.
Security and Information Service of the Republic of Moldova: Sabina Kolomichenko, Head of the Press Service, tel.: +3732 23 95 30, fax: +3732 23 27 90, e-mail: [email protected]
State Security Service of Ukraine: Marina Ostapenko, Press Officer, tel.: +38 044 256 91 12, e-mail: [email protected]
