The US ambassador to Albania, Yuri Kim and the ambassador to Greece, Sophia Philippidou were present at the border crossing point of Kakavija earlier today, where accompanied by the interior minister, Bledi Çuçi and the chief of police, Ardi Veliu evaluated the work conducted to date by border security.
During the diplomatic visit of these high-ranking officials, there was also a presentation of new logistics devices that the US government donated in the framework of the Program of Exports Patrol and Border Security.
“The recent seizures are the border are a good indicator that the equipment that we have donated and the training that we have provided are having a positive impact. […] Trafficking in potential weapons of mass destruction material, illicit narcotics, terrorism and transnational crime have a common axis, they are driven by criminal elements who are clever and ruthless,” said ambassador Yuri Kim, while emphasizing that the US is steadfast on its commitment to strengthen the presence of law and order in Albania.
The Kakavija border crossing point is amongst the most important pathways linking Albania to Greece and vice versa. It’s important to note that it also remains the only border crossing point linking Albania to an EU member state.
The refugee crisis and the current influx in illegal crossings into the EU by countries of the Middle East, forced Brussels to activate the FRONTEX structures along the Albanian border a few years ago. This was also mentioned by ambassador Philippidou.
“This [border crossing point] is still, I would say, still an external border of the European Union. We have FRONTEX on both sides of the border. Our cooperation with Albania will continues to strengthen even more, when the center for Police and Customs on the Greek side of the Kakavija border becomes operational,” said the Greek ambassador, Philippidou.
Authorities from both countries believe that the establishment of a joint police point will enable a joining of forces and a quicker exchange of information, that is valuable in achieving a stronger prevention of contraband.
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