Government is resolute to restore order in the Ukrainian customs

On Monday, May 23, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman met with Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Robert Gil Kerlikowske. In the presence of Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, Chairman of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine Roman Nasirov and Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Robert Gil Kerlikowske there was signed an Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the United States of America on mutual assistance between the customs administrations.

During the meeting the parties discussed prospects of reforming of the customs and border guard services of Ukraine and bilateral cooperation between the countries in these areas.

"We have very positive experience of implementing transformations and reforms in the national police of Ukraine with the support of the United States. I am deeply convinced that our next success story should be just in the customs sector", said Volodymyr Groysman at the meeting.

The Head of Government noted that during the independence years Ukraine hadn’t seen any structural reforms in the customs and border guard areas. Today the customs service is entwined with corruption, thus itrequires effective changes, he stressed. In this regard, Volodymyr Groysman called the landmark event thesigning of the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement between the Governments of Ukraine and the U.S.A.

"We are absolutely committed to bringing order to the Ukrainian customs, and we count much on your support and assistance”, said the Prime Minister. “We are resolute to introduce fast, open, clear and high-quality reforms in this sphere", he stressed.

In turn, the Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Robert Gil Kerlikowske noted the importance of the Agreement signed today. In particular, according to him, it provides the essential legal framework for exchanging information and evidence to assist the two countries in enforcing customs rules and regulations, and will enable the United States and Ukraine to collaborate on investigations, share best practices, and exchange information vital to the national and economic security.

"The Agreement signed today, is the evidence of our common goal - to achieve proper compliance with the law and facilitate effective trade between our two countries," he said.

Robert Gil Kerlikowske also praised the work of the border guard service of Ukraine. Moreover, he thanked the Prime Minister for his personal leadership and responsibility in the upgrading the customs and border areas.

In turn, Chairman of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine Roman Nasirov and Head of the State border service of Ukraine Viktor Nazarenko reaffirmed their willingness to introduce rapid and effective changes within relevant services.

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