News Release

No. 40/03
June 25, 2003 

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

25 JUNE 2003 

After meetings this week in Brussels, between representatives of the US Customs and Border Protection and of the European Commission, assisted by representatives of member states, US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner and Director-General for Taxation and Customs Union Robert Verrue released the following statement: 

“We welcome the positive work currently being undertaken by US Customs and Border Protection and the European Commission, supported by Member States' Customs Authorities, with respect to the Container Security Initiative and other customs-related aspects of security of international trade.

"This is an important opportunity to maximise supply chain security on both sides of the Atlantic and to facilitate legitimate trade. The United States and the European Union will continue to expand and intensify customs cooperation and to take practical measures to improve the security of ocean-going and other modes of international trade." 

Issued in Washington and Brussels.

Press Contacts:

Wilfried Schneider 202-862-9523

Maeve O'Beirne 202-862-9549

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