Ukraine, Moldova to expand transport links

MOSCOW. April 27 (Interfax) - The construction of a new bridge across the River Dniester near Yampol and the development of an alternative route to the southwestern districts of the Odessa region through Moldova were discussed at a meeting between Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko, Ukrainian media reported.

"Ukraine is interested in further construction of a bridge across the Dniester between Yampol and Cosauti, as well as in opening a joint automobile checkpoint on the Ukrainian side. This is a strategically important project to strengthen logistics and border infrastructure. It is necessary to synchronize work with Moldova, in particular the construction of an access road," the media quoted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Alexei Kuleba, as saying following the meetings, which he, too, attended.

He said it was necessary to create a reliable alternative route connecting the districts of the Odessa region through Moldova. Kiev has allocated over UAH 700 million for the project.

Kuleba also said work was underway to extend the Kiev-Chisinau test train route to the station in Revaca with a shuttle service to Chisinau Airport.