US aid worth $ 24.5 mln issued for Azerbaijan

Since 2000, the United States Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program has provided equipment and training valued at just over $ 24.5 million to its partners, the State Customs Committee and the State Border Service, U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Adam Sterling said on Wednesday during ceremony of handing over to the Azerbaijan State Customs Committee two U.S.-built tool trucks that will increase the ability of the SCC to inspect cargo entering and leaving Azerbaijan valued at more than $ 300,000.

"Customs Committee of Azerbaijan has significantly modernized its activities, improved infrastructure, created modern Customs Code. These units will enhance the ability of the SCC to conduct inspections from a self-contained mobile inspection station that can be taken to any number of locations. By continuing to partner together, we can provide more secure borders to our citizens," Sterling said.

Chairman of Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee Aydin Aliyev said the event is an indication of the high level of cooperation between the two countries.

"Under this program, we receive American equipment, in addition, our specialists are training in the U.S. and learn best practices in the field of customs," Aliyev said.

He said such trucks and their equipment are now used in the activities of U.S. Customs.


/Trend/