Protocol for Pan-European Corridor X signed in Greece

Transport ministers from the countries crossed by the planned Pan-European Corridor X on Friday signed a Protocol for cross-border cooperation that aims to speed up its completion, during a meeting held on the Ionian island of Corfu, northwestern Greece.

The agreement calls for simplified procedures during border inspections and adopting a uniform strategy for the various forms of border control, reduction of waiting times and thus overall journey times along Corridor X, combatting corruption and the illegal movement of goods and persons.

Greek Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis, who holds the presidency of the meeting, welcomed the signature of the protocol, saying that Corridor X would soon be operative and efficient and will increase passenger and goods traffic by both road and rail.

According to Greece's Deputy Economy Minister Antonis Bezas, the Protocol signed on Friday would ensure security and discourage cross-border crime while at the same time satisfying transport needs for goods and people with speed, comfort and at reasonable cost.

He said the first stage of the Protocol will be initially implemented by the customs authorities of each country, followed by work to simplify and harmonies procedures, streamline legislation, exchange information and create common standards, checking procedures etc at border crossings.

Pan-European Corridor X will provide the main road and rail links running from Greece to central and northern Europe. Countries participating in the development of Corridor X - many of which are carrying out improvements to their road and rail infrastructure - include Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria and Greece.

Apart from the transport ministers from the countries involved, participants in Friday's meeting included representatives of the European Union and other organizations.

Source: Xinhua