Poland wants border with Russia maximally opened for business

Poland is aspiring toward having the border with Russia maximally opened for business after the country joins the EU, said Polish Customs Service Deputy Director Anna Dubelik, while speaking at the a ceremony inaugurating the international customs terminal Bagrationovsk in Kaliningrad Region today.

She said that after May 1, 2004 when Poland officially becomes a member of the EU its borders with Russia's Kaliningrad Region will also become external borders of the EU. 'But that should not become an obstacle for the advancement of trade goods and people through the border and also the development of our dynamic business contacts. Together with our Russian colleagues we are doing everything so that the border will be convenient and comfortable for good-willed neighborly cooperation, but at the same time a reliable barrier against contraband and illegal migration,' she said. Dubelik added that the next joint step will be the construction of a new border and customs terminal at Mamonovo, which should begin next year.