High-level representatives of the Security and Intelligence Service (SIS), the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the EUBAM mission held a trilateral meeting on June 11, 2021. The main goal of the meeting was to broaden cooperation between security services of both countries, enhance intelligence exchange and step up capacities to fight cross-border crime at the Moldova-Ukraine border.
In the course of the meeting, representatives of the two security services discussed cooperation in the light of new threats and shifting modi operandi of organized cross-border crime. The parties exchanged intelligence on criminal activities alongside Moldova-Ukraine border and shared best practices on combating it. Ukrainian and Moldovan high-level security officials reviewed measures for counteracting illicit firearms trafficking, as well as smuggling of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. At the same time, the issue of human trafficking was scrutinized by the participants who highlighted vulnerable areas and possible mitigating measures, as well as prospects for future joint activities.
Representatives of the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova stressed the significance of trilateral cooperation within the EUBAM platform. “Interaction in this format gives a unique opportunity to debate on concrete issues and identify solutions that help to counter smuggling of narcotic and radioactive substances, alcohol and tobacco products at the Moldova-Ukraine border. Despite COVID-19 international restrictive measures, achieving constant interaction and exchange of intelligence on existing risks and threats in the border area significantly contributes to ensuring security at the national and regional levels”, the Head of the Moldovan Delegation stated. In this regard, he also expressed appreciation for the outcomes of the EUBAM mission in maintaining good partnership and cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.
On their side, the Security Service of Ukraine welcomed EUBAM’s initiative on bringing together representatives of Ukrainian and Moldovan security services, underlining the importance of enhancing cooperation with their colleagues from the Republic of Moldova. In this context, the Head of the Ukrainian Delegation mentioned: „Today, we have agreed to strengthen cooperation on intelligence exchange and risk analysis at the Moldova-Ukraine border. At the end of the day, it is the cooperation of our two special services that will make it possible to better combat cross-border crime, illicit trafficking in firearms, explosives, tobacco products, etc.”
Concluding the meeting, General Slawomir Pichor, the Head of EUBAM stated: “To date, the Mission together with security services of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have enjoyed effective cooperation. Today, we were able to step it up even further. Thanks to this meeting, we mapped out priorities and established good foundations for enhancing cooperation. I trust that this trilateral meeting will boost intelligence exchange and improve responses to the challenges both services are facing at the Moldova-Ukraine border. At the same time, I would like to reiterate EUBAM’s readiness to provide strategic, analytical, and operational support.”
The Security and Intelligence Service promotes cooperation with strategic partners to combat emerging risks and exchange intelligence aimed at maintaining regional and global security.