October 03, 2017 - 8:18 AM
BUCHAREST, Romania - The Romanian and Bulgarian prime ministers have opened a new border checkpoint between their countries, both of which want to join the visa-free Schengen travel zone.
Romanian Premier Mihai Tudose met Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov for the official opening ceremony Tuesday of the Lipnita-Kaynardza crossing, which links southeast Romania to northeast Bulgaria.
Romania and Bulgaria need to demonstrate that their borders are secure in order to join Schengen. A statement from Romania's border police said the crossing meets required security standards.
The border crossing which cost 6 million euros ($7 million) will ease international traffic and will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Romania and Bulgaria, both European Union members, share a 631-kilometre (395-mile) border. Some 6.2 million people crossed it this year.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017