Heads of customs authorities from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, Alexandru Bogdan Balan and Alexandru Iacub had a bilateral meeting on Wednesday, at the Galati-Giurgiulesti Border Customs Office, according to a Romanian Customs Authority (AVR) release.
The talks focus on strengthening customs cooperation to ease cross-border traffic and secure the shared border following the implementation of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), as well as on aspects related to carrying out coordinated controls and implementing/developing them at other customs offices in Romania, namely Leuseni-Albita Border Crossing Point (PTF) , Giurgiulesti-Galati PTF, Cantemir-Falciu PTF (entry into Romania) and Lipcani-Radauti PTF (only on the Republic of Moldovan territory).
"The implementation of the New Computerised Transit System at the Giurgiulesti Customs Office proves the efficiency of the cooperation between the Romanian Customs Authority and the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova and represents another important step on the Republic of Moldova's path toward European integration," President of the AVR Alexandru Bogdan Balan said, according to the release.
Within the meeting, proposals were made to streamline the flow of goods and passengers, improve actions to prevent and combat illicit trafficking, as well as the organization of a joint anti-fraud operation and joint training activities using the Romania-Moldova-Ukraine regional capacity-strengthening platform.
"The common border between the Republic of Moldova and Romania is not a line of separation, but a space for cooperation. Through joint efforts, we modernize customs processes, simplify procedures and bring European standards closer to the citizens and the business environment," Director of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova Alexandru Iacub said.
According to the quoted source, the meeting reflected the strong commitment of both parties to develop a solid, modern, and sustainable customs cooperation, in the spirit of good neighborliness and European partnership.
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