Participants in the meeting discussed issues involved in the formation and implementation of government policy on developing the state border and creating favourable conditions for foreign trade and international transport communication.

They discussed the implementation of the federal targeted programme on the state border of the Russian Federation (2003-2011), in particular, a package of measures on organising check points and other border and customs facilities with the aim of forming a modern system for the protection of the state border.

Participants in the meeting reviewed measures on eliminating drug trafficking channels from Afghanistan to Russia and curbing the activities of international criminals in this area. They noted that the formation of a multi-level system of cooperation between law-enforcement agencies of the member-countries of the Customs Union and Eurasec in this capacity should substantially enhance the efficiency of countering drug-related crime.

Members of the commission discussed the establishment of check points involved in the preparation and holding of events during the APEC-2012 summit. Seven check points are being established or reconstructed for these events: at sea in the ports of Vladivostok, Vostochny and Nakhodka; in the airports of Vladivostok (Knevichi) and Khabarovsk; and on motorways in Kraskino and Pogranichny. The construction of buildings and facilities for control procedures and accommodation of employees of government control bodies is underway. Under the plan, these checkpoints are being outfitted with special equipment.

Following the meeting, the Federal Agency for the Development of State Border Infrastructure (Rosgranitsa), concerned federal executive bodies and the administration of the Primorye Territory were instructed to continue the work on completing the commissioning of the above mentioned seven check points.

Participants in the meeting reviewed measures associated with the implementation of the inter-governmental agreement between Russia and Ukraine on the border crossing procedures for residents of the adjacent areas. The agreement was signed as part of the bilateral inter-regional economic forum attended by the Russian and Ukrainian presidents in Donetsk on October 18, 2011.

The agreement provides for simplified border crossing procedures for residents not only of the regions directly adjacent to the border but of broader areas as well. This will enable 30 million people (16 million in six regions in Russia and 14 million in six regions in Ukraine) to cross the border in certain places in a simplified manner, that is, without filling out migration cards or going through customs and other formalities. The agreement establishes more than 150 border-crossing points that local residents can cross on foot, by bicycle, motorcycle, horse or by car, in their own boats as well as on automobile and public ferry transportation in the border regions.

Mr Zubkov instructed federal executive bodies to take measures aimed at implementing the agreement after it enters into effect, to bring the information on the agreement stipulating the order and procedures of border crossing to the public, and to monitor the load on check points and crossing sites and, if need be, prepare proposals on additional organisational measures.

In addition, Zubkov instructed the executive bodies concerned to present coordinated proposals on improving the operation of points at the Russian border that would consider, among other things, the need to regulate the import of ozone-destroying substances into Russia. At present there are 377 check points in the country: 147 for cars, 66 for trains, 79 for aircraft, 66 for sea vessels, 10 mixed, five for river transport, two on lakes and two for pedestrians.